Digital still video camera, image data output system for digital still video camera, frame for data relay for digital still video camera, data transfer system for digital still video camera, and image regenerating apparatus

ABSTRACT

The digital still video camera according to the present invention comprises a liquid crystal monitor and an operation display section and picture information input means for inputting picture information for a printer, an MEM as a memory means for storing inputted picture means, and a CPU, and IPP, a DCT, a coder, and an MCC each as a converting/transmitting means for converting the image data to be sent to the printer to that adapted to the printer according to the picture information stored in the HEM and sending the converted image data using a synchronizing signal adapted to the printer.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a digital still video camera as well asto an image data output system for a digital still video camera, andmore particularly to a digital still video camera as well as to an imagedata output system for a digital still video camera for outputting imagedata for the digital still video camera having a function for datatransaction to recording paper through an image forming apparatus.

The present invention also relates to a digital still video camera inwhich an image and voice in combination can be recorded, and moreparticularly to a digital still video camera in which the operability,workability, and convenience are improved by making use of a functionfor inputting voices more effectively. The present invention alsorelates to a frame for data relay for a digital still video camera aswell as to a data transfer system for a digital still video camera, andmore particularly to a frame for data relay for a digital still videocamera as well as to a data transfer system for a digital still videocamera in which the convenience thereof is improved when data istransferred between the digital still video camera and external device.

The present invention also relates to a digital still video camera forphotographing an image and recording the image in a recording mediumsuch as a memory card or the like, and more particularly to a digitalstill video camera always recording the photographed image in arecording medium without reducing a quantity of information for a mainobject for a photo.

The present invention also relates to a digital still video camera forrecording at least photographed image in a recording medium, and moreparticularly to a digital still video camera for reporting a residualmemory space of the recording medium with voices.

The present invention also relates to a digital still video camera forphotographing an image and recording the image in a recording mediumsuch as a memory card or the like, and more particularly to a digitalstill video camera in which a mask for identifying a photographed imagearea according to video which a user wants to record is selected, a formof the photographed image to be stored in the storage medium can freelybe changed, and a number of pieces of video that can be stored in thestorage medium is made to a maximum without degrading the quality of therecorded image, whereby the storage medium can effectively be utilized.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At first, conventionally it is required an image data output system fora digital still video camera as shown in FIG. 59A to FIG. 59D in a casewhere an image photographed by a digital still video camera is outputtedto recording paper through an image forming apparatus such as a printer.

For instance, FIG. 59A and FIG. 59B show configuration in which imagedata is transferred from the digital still video camera (DSVC) to acomputer through an I/F (an interface), and the image data istransferred to a printer using a printing function of the computer to beoutputted to recording paper.

FIG. 59C and FIG. 59D also show configuration in which image data isrecorded in a recording medium set in a drive incorporated in thedigital still video camera (DSVC), the image data stored in therecording medium is read in by a data reading device connected to thecomputer, and the image data is transferred to the printer using theprinting function of the computer to be outputted to recording paper. Asa recording medium, there are a floppy disk, a hard disk, amagneto-optical disk, and a memory card (IC card) or the like each ofwhich is an ordinary one as computer peripheral equipment, and thememory card is generally used for the digital still video camera becauseread/write of the information can be executed at a high speed therein.

It should be noted that, in FIG. 59B and FIG. 59D, a controller isprovided between the computer and the printer, so that drawing at ahigher speed and color correction with a mode advanced function can berealized by using the controller.

Secondarily, in recent years the digital still video cameras have cometo incorporate multiple and versatile functions, and there have beendeveloped various types of recording mode including, in addition to astill picture mode for recording a photographed image as a stillpicture, a successively photographing mode for successively recordingstill pictures, a voice mode for recording voices, a still picture+voicemode for simultaneously recording a still picture and voices, a movingpicture mode for recording moving pictures like that in a video camera,a moving picture+voice mode for simultaneously recording moving picturesand voices, and a character mode for clearly recording characters or thelike, or some other modes.

As a step for making a video still video camera more versatile, there isprovided an operation mode such as a communicating function for fetchingimage data as well as voice data each photographed by the digital stillvideo camera into external device such as a computer or the like.

Conventionally, in this type of digital still video camera in whichimage data and voice data in combination can be recorded, the inputtedvoice data is recorded using a voice compression technology. Also alistening method is used for regeneration, identification, and edit ofthe recorded voice data like in a case of a personal computer or a taperecorder.

Thirdly, as a system of transferring data between devices based on theconventional technology, a wire communication system for connectingdevices to each other with a cable has generally been employed. However,radio communication making use of infrared rays is going to bestandardized in order to respond to such users' request that they wantto do data transfer without preparing a cable or the like.

There is the IrDA (Infrared Data Association) as a group for promotingthis standardization. In the radio communication between devicesaccording to this radio communication system, as shown in FIG. 60A, aface on which the transferring/receiving section 6001a of a device 6001is provided at a position opposite to a face on which thetransferring/receiving section 6002a of a device 6002 is provided, anddata is transferred between the transferring/receiving sections 6001aand 6002a.

In order to give flexibility to a positional relation between thedevices, as shown in FIG. 60B, there is also provided a product in whichthe transferring/receiving section 6001a is separated from the device6001 by using a serial port of the device 6001 such as a computer or thelike.

On the other hand, a recording capability of the digital still videocamera has remarkably progressed, so that it is now possible to executevarious types of recording for recording not only still pictures butalso moving pictures, and voices, or a mixture of moving pictures+voicesor the like. An IC card enabling a high-speed read/write of data ismainly used for recording. To fetch this recorded data into equipmentsuch as a personal computer or the like, a dedicated radio communicationfunction or an IC card reader is required.

For this reason, if a radio communication function based on the IrDAstandard is incorporated in the digital still video camera,communications between devices each having the radio communicationfunction based on the IrDA standard can be made easier, which makes itpossible to improve the convenience of use of a digital still videocamera.

Fourthly, as a digital still video camera based on the conventionaltechnology, there is the one disclosed, for instance, in Japanese PatentLaid-Open Publication No. HEI 4-332281 under the title of "Electroniccamera and image signal compressing device". This camera comprises acompressing means for subjecting an image signal obtained by an imagepickup device to compression processing and an object distance detectingmeans for detecting a distance between a object and the camera, andadjusts a compression rate according to an output from said objectdistance detecting means. Namely, by setting the compression rateaccording to a scene to be photographed if necessary, an averagecompression rate of an image can be made higher and reduction of thememory space required for one screen can be achieved, so that aphotographer can take pictures satisfying the photographer's desire.

In the "Electronic still camera" disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-OpenPublication No. HEI 5-64143, setting of the compression rate isautomatically changed for storage so that a number of sheets ofcompressed image data to be stored will be set as an operator desires,which makes it possible to obtain the best image in the specified range.

Fifthly, as a digital still video camera based on the conventionaltechnology, there is a device for reporting a residual memory space of arecording medium for recording therein photographed images.

For instance, in the "Electronic still camera" disclosed in JapanesePatent Laid-Open Publication No. HEI 2- 280483, by estimating a numberof sheets of still images which can be recorded in the recording mediumfrom an average memory space of data used for image data recorded in therecording medium as well as from the recorded number of sheets, anappropriate alert can be issued when a residual data memory space in therecording medium becomes a low level.

Also, in the "Electronic still camera" disclosed in Japanese PatentLaid-Open Publication No. HEI 6-350950, an empty memory space in therecording medium or a number of pieces which can further be photographedare displayed while alert is issued in at least two or more waysaccording to the empty memory space in the recording medium.

On the other hand, the digital still video cameras have come toincorporate more and more multiple and versatile functions, so thatthere are provided various types of recording mode such as, in additionto a still picture mode for recording a photographed image as a stillpicture, a successively photographing mode for successively recordingstill pictures, a voice mode for recording voices, a still picture+voicemode for simultaneously recording a still picture and voices, a movingpicture mode for recording moving pictures like a video camera, and acharacter mode for clearly recording characters or the like, or someother modes.

Sixthly, in the digital still video camera based on the conventionaltechnology, as a technology for recording much more data in a recordingmedium with a limited memory space, there are those as described below.Disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. HEI 2-44879 is aninvention in which a recording medium can efficiently be used byswitching a low-resolution mode switch and changing a number of databits of a video signal to be written into a memory card.

Also disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. HEI 4-332281is an invention in which a mode is effected in which a screen iscompressed with a uniform compression rate in any of the three caseswhere a distance to an object is not less than a specified value, wherea focus length is not more than a specified value, and where a specifiedrelation is satisfied between the focus length and the distance to anobject, and in other cases, a recording memory space required for ascreen can be reduced by changing a compression rate according to theinformation obtained by measuring a distance to an object according foreach scene to be photographed and concretely, for instance, by reducingthe compression rate in an inside area of the outline.

However, with the first image data output system for a digital stillvideo camera based on the conventional technology, any of the systemshas configuration in which image data is transferred to a printerthrough a computer, so that a system for outputting the image databecomes disadvantageously expensive.

It should be noted that a computer is indispensable in a case wherevarious types of editorial word or processing is executed to an imagewhen the image is to be outputted to recording paper, but many userswill simply desire print-output of an image, and especially in thatcase, the expensive system is a big problem for the users.

With the second digital still video camera based on the conventionaltechnology, inputted voice data is only recorded with the technology forvoice compression, so that the voice data has not been utilized as aninformation source for other processing.

As the third case described above, in a case where the function for theradio communication based on the IrDA standard is simply incorporated inthe digital still video camera base on the conventional technology,there are such problems that data transfer can not always successfullybe executed because the camera is affected by vibration of the equipmentgenerated during the data transfer since the digital still video camerais generally a small-sized one and data to be transferred includes imagedata having a large quantity of information, and that data transfer cannot successfully be executed because it is difficult to maintain apositional relation between the digital still video camera and anexternal device to which the data is to be transferred in the bestsituation.

As a digital still video camera is generally small-sized and it isdifficult to operate the digital still video camera in a state in whicha suitable positional relation therebetween is maintained, there aresuch problems that the operability and convenience during data transferis low.

With the fourth case described above and based on the conventionaltechnology described above, an image for one screen is compressedaccording to a uniform compression ratio, so that a method of thinninginformation for a complicated section block by block is employed due torestrictions in algorithm for the compression processing in a case whereperipheral images have complicated patterns even if the main object islocated at the center of the screen in the photographed screen of image,and for this reason a quantity of data for the main object is reduced.In other words, in an image for one screen, a main portion desired by auser can not always be recorded clearly.

In a case where a quantity of information for the main object isincreased by simply reducing the compression rate (or without executingcompression), a quantity of the information for the entire image for onescreen increases disadvantageously.

These problems described above also exist in each of the inventionsdisclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. HEI 4-332281 andJapanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. HEI 5-64143.

With the fifth digital still video camera based on the conventionaltechnology, although an appropriate alert can be issued when a remainingmemory space for data to be recorded in the recording medium (a residualmemory space for recording) becomes a low level, the alert are given bymeans of display or indication, so that, in a case where a user does notnotice the display of alert, sometimes photographed images may not berecorded therein.

In the sixth digital still video camera based on the conventionaltechnology, as a method of making it possible to photograph a morenumber of sheets of images than that in a normal device, a method ofchanging a number of data bits or a compression rate is employed, andfor this reason quality of an image to be fetched thereinto may entirelyor partially be degraded.

It is a first object of the present invention to make it possible tooutput image data prepared by a digital still video camera based onsimple and low-cost configuration to recording paper by directlytransferring image data to an image forming apparatus such as a printeror the like without requiring a computer therebetween.

It is a second object of the present invention to improve operability,workability, and convenience in use of a digital still video camera bymaking use of received voice data as an information source for othertypes of processing.

It is an object of the present invention that data in a digital stillvideo camera incorporating therein a function of radio communicationmaking use of infrared rays can easily and securely be transferred to anexternal device. The present invention was also made for solving theproblems described above, and it is a third object of the presentinvention to improve operability and convenience in use thereof whendata is transferred from a digital still video camera to externaldevice.

It is a fourth object of the present invention to make it possible torecord an image in a desired area (the main portion) with a largequantity of information therefor with a layout intended by a user.

It is a fifth object of the present invention to make it possible toalert a user and accurately report a remaining recording space in arecording medium in which data can be recorded to the user.

It is a sixth object of the present invention to make it possible tofreely change a form of a photographed image to be stored in a storagemedium by selecting a mask identifying a photographed image areaaccording to an image to be recorded for maximizing a number of sheetsof images which can be stored in a storage medium without lowering aquality of the recorded image as well as for effectively utilizing thestorage medium.

The digital still video camera according to the present invention havinga function for transaction of image data as well as control data withexternal devices comprises a picture information input means forinputting picture information for an image forming apparatus, one of theexternal devices; a picture information memory means for storing thereinpicture information inputted from the picture information input means;and a converting/sending means for converting image data to be sent tothe image forming apparatus to image data adapted to the image formingapparatus according to the picture information stored in the pictureinformation memory means and sending the image data using asynchronizing signal adapted to the image forming apparatus, and in thedigital still video camera picture information for the image formingapparatus is inputted thereinto by the picture information input meansand is stored in the picture information memory means, and theconverting/sending means converts image data to be sent to the imageforming apparatus to image data adapted to the image forming apparatusaccording to the picture information and sends the image data using asynchronizing signal adapted to the image forming apparatus.

The digital still video camera according to the present invention havingan image data generating means for photographing an image and generatingimage data for the image and a voice data generating means for inputtingvoices and generating voice data for the voices to record the generatedimage data as well as voice data in a recording medium comprises acharacter code generating means for recognizing voice data generated bythe voice data generating means and generating character codecorresponding to the voice data; and a recording control means forcontrolling the image data generating means, the voice data generatingmeans, and the character code generating means, and recording thecharacter code with relation to the image data in the recording medium.

The frame for data relay for a digital still video camera according tothe present invention as a device for receiving data through radiocommunication from the digital still video camera having a function forradio communication making use of infrared rays for data transactioncomprises a retaining means for stably retaining said digital stillvideo camera; a radio communicating means for data transaction throughradio communication with the digital still video camera retained by saidretaining means; and a data input/output means for outputting the datareceived from said radio communicating means to an external device andalso outputting the data received from said external device to saidradio communicating means. Namely the frame for data relay according tothe present invention can simply and accurately transfer data from adigital still video camera to an external device by executing radiocommunications with the digital still video camera through the radiocommunication means in a state in which the digital still video camerais stably retained by the retaining means in the frame for data relayand further by transferring the data from the radio communicating meansto external device.

The digital still video camera according to the present invention forphotographing an image and recording the image in a recording mediumsuch as a memory card or the like comprises an image compressing meansfor enabling processing for compression of the image with at least twodifferent types of compression ratio; and a memory means for storingmask information comprising a plurality of areas in which one of said atleast two types of different compression ratio is set, and in thedigital still video camera said image compressing means divides an imagefor one screen into a plurality of areas using the plurality of areas ofthe mask information stored in said memory means and subjects the imageto compression processing with the compression rate of said maskinformation corresponding to said divided areas.

The digital still video camera according to the present invention forrecording at least photographed image in a recording medium comprises aresidual memory space computing means for computing a residual memoryspace of said recording medium; a setting means for setting therein aresidual memory space reporting mode to report the residual memory spacein said recording medium; a voice output means for outputting voices;and a residual memory space reporting means for outputting the residualmemory space computed by said residual memory space computing meansthrough said voice output means in a case where the residual memoryspace reporting mode has been set by said setting means.

The digital still video camera according to the present invention havinga memory means for storing therein image data for the photographed imageand an image displaying means for displaying or regenerating/displayingsaid photographed image or the image data stored in said memory meanscomprises a mask retaining means for retaining a plurality of masks eachidentifying a photographed image area; a selecting means for selectingone of the masks retained in said mask retaining means; and a controlmeans for displaying the image on said image displaying means so thatthe object of a photograph can be seen through the photographed imagearea identified by said mask when the mask has been selected by saidselecting means, storing the information relating to said mask withreference to the image data for the photographed image area identifiedby said mask each according to a specified operation in said memorymeans, and identifying an image area according to said mask informationand regenerating/displaying the image thereon in a case where maskinformation related to said image data is added to the image data whenthe image data stored in said memory means is to be regenerated anddisplayed on said image displaying means.

Other objects and features of this invention will become understood fromthe following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a digital still video camera and animage data output system for a digital still video camera according toEmbodiment 1 of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A to 2C are explanatory views showing a method for connecting thedigital still video camera to a printer.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing processing for maintenance of pictureinformation according to Embodiment 1;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are explanatory views showing an example of a screen onwhich picture information is inputted;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a relation among an image area fora digital still video camera, an offset value on recording paper, amagnification, and an image area outputted by the printer;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an operational sequence in printing withan image data output system for the digital still video camera accordingto Embodiment 1;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an operational sequence in imagedevelopment determination processing according to Embodiment 1;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an operational sequence in processing fordeciding a layout according to Embodiment 1;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an operational sequence in processing forsetting picture information according to Embodiment 2 of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an operational sequence in printing withan image data output system for a digital still video camera accordingto Embodiment 2;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a digital still video camera and animage data output system for a digital still video camera according toEmbodiment 3 of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an operational sequence in printing withan image data output system for a digital still video camera accordingto Embodiment 3;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a digital still video cameraaccording to Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are appearance views showing the digital still videocamera according to Embodiment 4;

FIG. 15 is an explanatory view showing a display screen on a displaypanel according to Embodiment 4;

FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing a switching state of the displayscreen on the display panel according to one of set record modes;

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing an operational sequence in processing inthe mode for recording data including voices according to Embodiment 4;

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing an operational sequence in processing inthe mode for regenerating data including therein voices according toEmbodiment 4;

FIG. 19 is an explanatory view showing an example of displaying imagedata as well as character code each regenerated on the liquid crystalpanel;

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing an operational sequence in processingfor registering voiceprints according to Embodiment 5 of the presentinvention;

FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing an operational sequence in processingfor checking a voiceprint (processing for identifying a voiceprint)according to Embodiment 5;

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing processing for registering voiceprintsaccording to Embodiment 6 of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing an operational sequence in processingfor checking a voiceprint (processing for identifying a voiceprint)according to Embodiment 6;

FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing an operational sequence in processing inthe mode for recording data including voices according to Embodiment 7of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a key section of a data transfersystem for a digital still video camera using a frame for data relayaccording to Embodiment 8 of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is an appearance view showing a DSVC drive (a frame for datarelay);

FIG. 27 is a schematic flow chart showing the digital still video cameraaccording to Embodiment 8;

FIG. 28 is a schematic flow chart in a case where a computer controlsoperations of the digital still video camera according to Embodiment 8;

FIGS. 29A to 29D are explanatory views showing an example of connectionof the DSVC drive (frame for data relay);

FIG. 30 is a schematic flow chart showing a digital still video cameraaccording to Embodiment 9 of the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a schematic flow chart showing a digital still video cameraaccording to Embodiment 10 of the present invention;

FIG. 32 is an explanatory view showing a display screen on a displaypanel;

FIG. 33 is an explanatory view showing a switching state of the displayscreen on the display panel according to one of the set record modes;

FIG. 34 is an explanatory view showing an example of a selected screenfor mask information displayed on the liquid crystal panel of a liquidcrystal monitor;

FIG. 35 is an explanatory view showing an example of configuration ofmask information;

FIG. 36 is an explanatory view showing an example of configuration ofmask information;

FIG. 37 is a flow chart showing processing for recording data(compression processing) according to a mask compression mode;

FIG. 38 is a flow chart showing processing for recording imagesaccording to mask information;

FIG. 39 is a flow chart showing processing for regenerating data(drawing processing);

FIG. 40 is a flow chart showing processing for editing mask information(processing for preparing and updating mask information);

FIG. 41 is an explanatory view showing a switching state of the displayscreen on the display panel according to one of the set record modes;

FIG. 42 is a schematic flow chart showing an operational sequence inEmbodiment 12 of the present invention;

FIG. 43 is a schematic flow chart showing an operational sequence inEmbodiment 13 of the present invention;

FIG. 44 is a schematic flow chart showing an operational sequence inEmbodiment 14 of the present invention;

FIG. 45 is a schematic flow chart showing an operational sequence inEmbodiment 15 of the present invention;

FIG. 46 is a flow chart for explaining an operational sequence inprocessing for setting the mode for photographing with a small quantityof low memory space in a digital still video camera according toEmbodiment 16 of the present invention;

FIGS. 47A to 47C are explanatory views showing various types of maskspreviously prepared in the digital still video camera according toEmbodiment 16;

FIG. 48 is a flow chart for explaining an operational sequence in themode for photographing mode with a small quantity of memory space;

FIGS. 49A to 49D are explanatory views for explaining operations inprocessing in the photographing mode with a small quantity;

FIG. 50 is a flow chart for explaining an operational sequence inprocessing for regenerating and displaying images photographed in thephotographing mode with a small quantity of memory space;

FIG. 51 is a flow chart for explaining an operational sequence inprocessing for releasing the mode for photographing with for a smallquantity of memory space.

FIG. 52 is a flow chart for explaining operations in editing masks;

FIGS. 53A to 53D are explanatory views for explaining a previouslyprepared mask;

FIGS. 54A and 54B are explanatory views for explaining operations inediting masks;

FIG. 55 is a flow chart for explaining an operational sequence inprocessing of deleting a registered mask in a mask editing mode;

FIG. 56 is a flow chart for explaining an operational sequence inprocessing for presetting a mask to be compulsively selected when amemory space to be recorded in the recording medium becomes a low level;

FIG. 57 is a flow chart for explaining an operational sequence inprocessing for changing a mask to one to be compulsively selected duringphotographing;

FIG. 58 is a flow chart for explaining a procedure of displaying anumber of pieces of image which can be photographed therein;

FIGS. 59A to 59D are explanatory views showing an example ofconfiguration of the image data output system for a digital still videcamera based on the conventional technology; and

FIGS. 60A and 60B are explanatory views showing a radio communicationsystem making use of infrared rays based on the conventional technology.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Next detailed description is made for a digital still video camera andan image data output system for a digital still video camera accordingto the present invention with reference to the related drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a digital still video camera as wellas for an image data output system for a digital still video camera, andlargely comprises a basic body 101 of a digital still video camera, anI/F (interface) device 201, and a printer 301.

It should be noted that a liquid crystal monitor 102 which can displayphotographed images and various types of information and a memory card103 for recording therein photographed images are connected to the basicbody 101 of a camera.

The basic body 101 of the camera comprises a lens unit 104 comprising alens, an automatic focus (AF), an iris, a filter, a mechanical componentor the like; a CCD (charge coupled device) 105 for converting an imageinputted through the lens unit 104 to an electric signal (analog imagedata); an A/D converter 106 for converting analog image data inputtedfrom the CCD 105 to digital image data; an IPP (image pre-processor) 107for dividing the digital image data inputted from the A/D converter 106to data for chrominence and those for luminance and subjecting thedivided data to data processing for various processing, correction andcompression/extension of images; a DCT (Discrete Cosine Transform) 108for executing D/A conversion which is a step of imagecompression/extension based on the JPEG standard; a coder (HuffmanEncoder/Decoder) 109 for executing encoding and decoding each as aprocess of the image compression/expression based on the JPEG standard;an MCC 110 (Memory Card Controller) for temporally storing thereincompressed images and voice data fetched from a microphone 111 anddigitalized therein, subjecting the image data and voice data tosynchronization, and recording the data in or reading the data from thememory card 103; an ADPCM (Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation)112 for converting voice inputted through the microphone 111 to digitaldata and also subjecting the voice data to processing for compression orextension; a CPU 113 for controlling each of the sections describedabove; an MEM 114 which is a work memory for a system consisting of aROM and a RAM; a remote control function section 115 having a remotelycontrolled receiving function; an operation display section 116 for keyentry for various types of buttons and switches as well as for displaycontrol of a liquid crystal monitor (a liquid crystal panel 119described later); a battery 117 for supplying an electric power to eachof the sections described above; an optical low-pas filter 118; and acommunication I/F section 122 for executing communications with an I/Fdevice 201.

The liquid crystal monitor 102 has at least a liquid crystal panel (LCD)119 and a speaker 120. It should be noted that the reference numeral 121indicates a battery for the liquid crystal monitor 102.

An I/F device 201 receives image data or the like from the communicationI/F section 122 in the basic body 101 of the camera and transfers theimage data to a printer 301. For this reason, configuration of the I/Fdevice 201 is based on configuration of the communication I/F section122 in the basic body 101 of the camera and that of the printer 301, andis not limited to any specific configuration.

The printer 301 comprises an I/F circuit 302 for executingcommunications with the I/F device 201; an engine section 303 comprisinga printer engine or the like; an operation display section 304 fordisplaying or receiving various types of information; and a controlsection 305 for controlling each of the sections.

It should be noted that, in Embodiment 1, the picture information inputmeans according to the present invention comprises the liquid crystalmonitor 102 and the operation display section 116, the MEM 114corresponds to the picture information memory means according to thepresent invention, and the converting/sending means according to thepresent invention comprises the CPU 113, IPP 107, DCT 108, coder 109,and MCC 110.

Also it should be noted that, although description of the embodiment 1assumes the configuration in which the basic body 101 of the camera andthe I/F device 201, and the I/F device 201 and the printer 301 areconnected to each other with a cable respectively as shown in FIG. 2A,the configuration is allowable in which, for instance, the communicationI/F section 122 in the basic body 101 of the camera can execute infraredray communication, a communication section 202 capable of infrared raycommunications is provided also in the side of the I/F device 201, andthe basic body 101 of the camera and the I/F device 201 are connectedwith radio communications as shown in FIG. 2B. Also the configuration isallowable in which the I/F circuit 302 of the printer 301 is capable ofinfrared ray communications and the basic body 101 of the camera and theprinter 301 are directly connected to each other with radiocommunications.

With the configuration as described above, next description is made foroperations for 1) input of picture information and 2) printing with animage data output system for a digital still video camera in this order.

1) Input of picture information

Input of picture information is executed by making the CPU 133 execute apicture information maintenance processing program stored in the MEM 114and inputting picture information through the liquid crystal monitor 102and the operation display section 116.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a processing sequence of operations forpicture information maintenance, and when the picture informationmaintenance processing mode is specified through the operation displaysection 116, a corresponding program is executed by the CPU 113.

At first, the maintenance mode select screen is displayed on the liquidcrystal panel 119 of the liquid crystal monitor 102 to ask a user toselect a desired maintenance mode from "1. Input", "2. Recording", "3.Deletion", and "4. End", and when the user selects a desired maintenancemode, system control shifts to the next step (S301) according to theselected maintenance mode. Herein "input" means processing for inputtingpicture information anew, "recording" means processing for storing theinputted picture information in the MEM 114, "deletion" means processingfor deleting picture information stored in the MEM 114, and "end" meanstermination of the picture information maintenance processing mode.

When "4. End" is selected in step S301, the processing is terminated asit is.

If any of "1. Input", "2. Recording", and "3. Deletion" is selected instep S301, system control advances to step S302 where the correspondingprocessing is executed, and then system control returns to step S301.

For instance, if "1. Input" is selected in the step, a menu screen forinputting picture information is displayed on the liquid crystal panel119, and a user is prompted to input picture information. As the pictureinformation to be inputted, there is information about a form size, anorientation of the form, a resolution, a magnification, an offset value(a position for starting printing on recording paper) or the like.Concretely, as shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, a plurality types ofprinter resolution as well as of form size and form direction in theprinter are displayed and the user is prompted to select any of thedata, thus input of picture information being executed easily.

It should be noted that, in this embodiment, an offset value and amagnification are automatically selected by the CPU 113 for the reasonsas described below. Namely a main object of the present invention is todirectly transfer image data to an image forming apparatus such as aprinter without asking assistance by a computer, in other words, totransfer image data from the basic body 101 of the camera to the printer301 as simply as possible, so that a plurality of offset values OX, OYand magnification n are previously prepared in the MEM 114 to simplifycomputing in processing for deciding layout described later.

FIG. 5 shows a relation among an image area in a digital still videocamera, offset values on recording paper, a magnification, and an imagearea outputted from a printer, and as shown in this figure, an area ofan image photographed by a digital still video camera (pixels of widthW×height H) is fixed, and a size of recording paper, an orientation ofthe recording paper, and a resolution are fixed (already known) when arequest for output is issued. For this reason, a printing range onrecording paper at the pixel level is already known, so that theprocessing for deciding layout described hereinafter can easily beexecuted by firstly selecting offset values OX and OY and executingcomputing to determine whether a size nW×nH (an area of an imageoutputted from the printer 303) with a default magnification n is in theprinting range or not.

Then in a case where "2. Recording" is selected in step S301, thepicture information inputted when "1. Input" was selected is stored inthe MEM 114. Also in a case where "3. Deletion" is selected, the pictureinformation stored in the MEM 114 is deleted.

2) Printing with an image data output system for a digital still videocamera

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a processing sequence of printing by animage data output system for a digital still video camera according toEmbodiment 1. It should be noted that, in the figure, processing in theside of the digital still video camera is described as "DSVC:", andprocessing in the side of the printer 301 is described as "printer:".

When printing is executed, if the printing mode is selected in theoperation display section 116, the CPU 113 executes operations as shownin the flow chart in FIG. 6.

At first, when a user selects a desired output image using the liquidcrystal panel 119 and the operation display section 116 (S601) and theninputs a request for printing (S602), the CPU 113 executescommunications with a control section 305 in the printer 301 via thecommunication I/F section 122, I/F device 201, and I/F circuit 302, anddetermines whether the printer 301 is ready or not (S603).

If the printer 301 is not ready in this step, the printer 301 isautomatically enabled in its side (S604). If the printer 310 is ready,determination is made as to whether picture information is stored in theMEM 114 or not (S605), and if any picture information is not storedtherein, the picture information maintenance processing is executed(S606). In this case, the user inputs picture information according tothe flow chart shown in FIG. 3 and records the picture information inthe MEM 114.

In step S605, if picture information is stored in the MEM 114, thepicture development determination processing shown in FIG. 7 asdescribed later is executed, and determination is made as to whether thedigital still video camera 301 can follow the printer 301 or not byestimating the time required for the image development processing fromthe picture information, and if it is determined that the digital stillvide0 camera can not follow the printer 301, determination is made as towhether there is a empty memory space enough to develop the image in thememory card 103 or not, and if it is determined that there is a memoryspace enough to develop the image, the image is developed in the memorycard 103, and if it is determined that there is not a memory spaceenough to develop the image, a stop command is issued (S607).

Then, determination is made as to whether a stop command has beeninsured in the image development determination processing or not (S608),and if it is determined that a stop command has been issued, theprocessing is terminated as it is. If it is determined that a stopcommand has not been issued, the layout deciding processing in FIG. 8described later is executed to decide offset values and a magnificationfrom the picture information, further a pixel clock (synchronizingsignal) is computed (S609), adjustment for synchronism with the printer301 is executed according to the image clock (S610), and the developedimage data (or image data being developed) is sent to the printer 301(S611).

When the printer 301 receives image data from the digital still videocamera, the printer 301 draws the image on recording paper (S612).

The digital still video camera repeats operations in step S611 untiltransmission of all image data is finished, and when transmission isfinished, system control advances to step S614 (S613). In step S614,when a signal indicating end of transmission is received, the printer301 forcefully discharge recording paper, and terminates the processing.When the transmission is terminated, also processing in the side of thedigital still video camera is terminated.

Herein description is made for the image development determinationprocessing with reference to FIG. 7. The CPU 113 estimates the timerequired for image development from the picture information stored inthe MEM 114 (S701), and determines whether the digital still videocamera can follow the printer 301 or not (S702). Herein if it isdetermined that the digital still video camera can follow the printer301, it is possible to transfer the image, developing it, to the printer301, so that the processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand,if it is determined that the digital still video camera can not followthe printer 301, the CPU 113 estimates a memory space required forstoring the remaining portion of the image (S703), also estimates aresidual memory space (empty memory space) in the memory card 103(S704), and determines whether there is an empty memory space enough todevelop the image in the memory card or not from the memory spacerequired for storing the remaining portion of the image as well as fromthe residual memory of the memory card 103 (S705).

If it is determined that there is a sufficient memory space in stepS705, the CPU 113 develops the image, converts the image to data capableof being flown to the printer 301 (or capable of being transferred), andwrites the data in the memory card 103 (S706). When development isfinished (S707), the processing is terminated as it is.

On the other hand, it is determined that there is not a sufficientmemory space in step S705, the CPU 113 displays an instruction forreplacement of the memory card 103, displays an instruction for deletingthe image in the memory card 103, and also displays choices for stoppingand continuing on the liquid crystal panel 119, to prompt the user toselect any of the choices (S708). Herein if a user selects a choice forstopping or continuing through the operation display section 116,determination as to whether the processing is to be stopped or not isexecuted in step S709. For instance, if the user exchanges the memorycard 103 with a new one or deletes the image in the memory card 103 andthen selects a choice for continuing through the operation displaysection 116, the CPU 113 executes operations in step S703 to S705, andagain executes determination as to whether the image can be developed inthe memory card 103 or not. Also if the user selects a choice forstopping, the CPU 113 issues a stop command (S710), and terminates theprocessing.

Then description is made for the processing for deciding layout withreference to FIG. 8. At first the CPU 113 loads picture informationstored in the MEM 114 (S801), decides a printing range (width TW×heightTH) on recording paper according to a size and an orientation of therecording paper, sets a fixed image area size (width W×height H) for thedigital still video camera, selects particular offset values OX, OY ascandidates (a-th candidate) from a plurality of offset values OX, OY,and then selects a particular magnification n as b-th candidate from aplurality of magnifications n (S802).

Then the CPU 113 determines whether the image area (width nW×height nH)outputted from the printer 301 decided according to the selectedmagnification n can be accommodated within the printing range (widthTW×height TH) on the recording paper when the selected offset values OX,OY (S803). Herein if the condition of OX+nW<TM and the condition ofOY+nH<TH are satisfied simultaneously, the image area can beaccommodated within the printing range on the recording paper, so thatthe CPU 113 terminates an operation for layout using the selectedmagnification n as well as selected offset values OX, OY (S804), andterminates the processing.

On the other hand, if the image area can not be accommodated within theprinting range on the recording paper, the CPU 113 determines whetherthere is any alternative candidate or not (S805), and if it isdetermined that there is any candidate, system control returns to stepS802, and if it is determined that there is not any alternativecandidate, system control goes to step S804, and the CPU 113 terminatesthe processing.

As described above, with Embodiment 1, by previously inputting pictureinformation stored in the printer 301 into MEM 114, the digital stillvideo camera converts the image data to be sent to the printer 301 toimage data adapted to the printer 301 according to the pictureinformation, and sends the image data using a synchronizing signaladapted to the printer 301, so that the digital still video camera candirectly transfer the image data to the printer 301 without interferenceby a computer. For this reason, a computer is not required, and imagedata in a digital still video camera having simple and low-costconfiguration can be outputted to recording paper.

A digital still video camera according to Embodiment 2 of the presentinvention previously stores therein a plurality types of pictureinformation each corresponding to a type of a printer (herein aconnectable printer) in the MEM 114, selects desired picture informationusing the liquid crystal panel 119 and the operation display section116, and the CPU 113 converts the image data to be sent to the printer301 to image data adapted to the printer 301 according to the pictureinformation, and sends the image data to the printer 301 using asynchronizing signal adapted to the printer 301. It should be noted thatconfiguration in Embodiment 2 is the same as that in Embodiment 1 anddescription is made herein for only different portions.

In Embodiment 2, the present invention comprises a liquid crystalmonitor 102 (liquid crystal panel 119) and the operation display section116, the MEM 114 corresponds to a memory means according to the presentinvention, and a converting/sending means according to the presentinvention comprises the CPU 113, IPP 107, DCT 108, coder 109, and MCC110.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the processing for setting pictureinformation according to Embodiment 2, and at first a plurality types ofpicture information for a printer frequently used are recorded in thememory card 113 using an external computer (S901), the memory card 103with the picture information recorded therein is set in a digital stillvideo camera (DSVC) (S902), the picture information is stored from thememory card 103 into the MEM 114 (S903), and then the pictureinformation in the memory card 103 is deleted (S904). With theoperations described above, picture information is previously stored inthe MEM 114.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a printing operation with an image dataoutput system for the digital still video camera according to Embodiment2, and this flow chart is basically the same as that according toEmbodiment 1 shown in FIG. 6, and common step numbers indicate the sameprocessing. Also in this figure, the processing in the side of thedigital still video camera is described as "DSVC", and that in the sideof the printer 301 is described as "printer:".

At first a user selects an image the user hopes to output and theninputs a printing request (S601, S602), when the CPU 113 determineswhether the printer 301 is ready or not, and enables the printer 301(S603, S604). If it is determined that the printer 301 is ready forprinting, the CPU 113 determines whether picture data is stored in theMEM 114 or not (S605), and if it is determined that any pictureinformation is not stored in the MEM 114, the CPU 113 executes thepicture information maintenance processing (S606).

If it is determined in step S605 that picture information is stored inthe MEM 114, names of the stored picture information is displayed on theliquid crystal panel 119 (S1001), and a user is prompted to select anypicture information (S1002). Herein when the user selects any pictureinformation, the CPU 113 determines the image development determinationprocessing (S607), and executes the subsequent steps S608 to S614 likein Embodiment 1.

As described above, with Embodiment 2, picture information for theprinter 301 is previously stored in the MEM 114 and the pictureinformation for the printer 301 to be used is selected when actually aprinting operation is executed, when the digital still video cameraconverts image data to be sent to the printer 301 to image data adaptedto the printer 301 according to the picture information according to thepicture information, and at the same time the image data using asynchronizing signal adapted to the printer 301 is sent, so that it ispossible to directly transfer image data to the printer 301 withoutrequiring interference by a computer. For this reason, a computer is notrequired and image data in a digital still video camera can be outputtedto recording paper with low cost configuration.

Also as specific information is included in the picture information,general users sometimes get embarrassed, but as it is possible toconsistently manage picture information for each printer (image formingapparatus) using a computer and to fetch a plurality types of pictureinformation into the MEM 114 through the memory card 103, so thatprinting can easily be executed easily even in a case where a user nothaving any special knowledge uses a digital still video camera. Also awork load for inputting picture information can largely be reduced.

A digital still video camera according to Embodiment 3 of the presentinvention reads picture information from the printer 301 when outputtingimage data through the printer 301, converts the image data to be sentto the printer 301 to image data adapted to the printer 301 according tothe picture information read as described above, and sends the imagedata using a synchronizing signal adapted to the printer 301.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing configuration of the digital stillvideo camera according to Embodiment 3 as well as of an image dataoutput system for the digital still video camera. Configurationaccording to Embodiment 3 is realized by adding in the configurationaccording to Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 1 a picture information storingsection 306 with picture information for the device to the printer 301stored therein. Other portions of the configuration are basically thesame as those in Embodiment 1, so that description thereof is omittedherein.

It should be noted that, in Embodiment 3, the picture informationstoring section 306 corresponds to a first memory means according to thepresent invention, the control section 305 corresponds to a sendingmeans according to the present invention for sending picture informationstored in the picture information storing section 306 to the side of thedigital still video camera in response to a request from the digitalstill video camera, the CPU 113 corresponds to a picture informationreading means according to the present invention for requesting thecontrol section 305 to send picture information and reading the pictureinformation in a case where the CPU 113 outputs image data through theprinter 301, and the MEM 114 corresponds to a second memory meansaccording to the present invention for storing therein the pictureinformation read from the CPU 113. A converting/sending means accordingto the present invention comprises the CPU 113, IPP 107, DCT 108, coder109, and MCC 110.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing operations for printing by an image dataoutput system for the digital still video camera according to Embodiment3 of the present invention, and the flow chart is basically the same asthat shown in Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 6 with the common step numbersindicating the same processing respectively. Also in this figure, theprocessing executed in the side of the digital still video camera isdescribed as "DSVC:", and that executed in the side of the printer 301is described as "Printer:".

At first a user selects a desired image to be outputted and then inputsa request for printing (S601, S602), when the CPU 113 determines whetherthe printer 301 is ready for printing or not, and enables the printer(S603, S604). If the printer 301 is ready for printing, the CPU 113sends an inquiry concerning the state of the printer 301 to the controlsection 305 of the printer 301, and determines whether the maintenancefunction for picture information is available or not (S1201).

In step S1201, if it is determined that the maintenance function forpicture information is not available in the side of the printer 301, thepicture information maintenance processing in step S606 is executed andthe digital still video camera receives the picture information, andthen the CPU 113 executes operations in step S607 to step S614.

On the other hand, in step S1201, if it is determined that the pictureinformation maintenance function is available in the side of the printer301, system control advances to step S1202. In step S1202, the controlsection 305 of the printer 301 makes the current set-up state (pictureinformation) stored in the picture information storing section 306. Onthe other hand, the CPU 113 inputs the picture information stored in thepicture information storing section 306 from the printer 301 to the MEM114 to store the picture information therein (S1203). Then the CPU 113executes subsequent operations in steps S608 to S614 like in Embodiment1.

As described above, with Embodiment 3 above, by previously storingpicture information in the picture information storing section 305 inthe side of the printer 301, it becomes possible to further easily andquickly set the picture information. Also by deciding specifications fora format of picture information, picture information can be used alsofrom other equipment (such as, for instance, a computer). FIG. 13 is ablock diagram showing configuration of a digital still video cameraaccording to Embodiment 4, and the digital still video camera accordingto Embodiment 4 largely comprises the basic body 101 of the camera, theliquid crystal monitor 102 as an image displaying means for displayingimage data and various types of information, and the memory card 103 asa recording medium for recording a photographed image.

The basic body 101 of the camera comprises a lens unit 104 comprising alens, an automatic focus (AF), an iris, a filter, a mechanical componentor the like; a CCD (charge coupled device) 105 for converting an imageinputted through the lens unit 104 to an electric signal (analog imagedata); an A/D converter 106 for converting analog image data inputtedfrom the CCD 105 to digital image data; an IPP (image pre-processor) 107for dividing the digital image data inputted from the A/D converter 106to data for color difference and those for luminance and subjecting thedivided data to data processing for various processing, correction andcompression/extension of images; a DCT (Discrete Cosine Transform) 108for executing D/A conversion which is a step of imagecompression/extension based on the JPEG standard; a coder (HuffmanEncoder/Decoder) 109 for executing encoding and decoding each as aprocess of the image compression/extension based on the JPEG standard;an MCC (Memory Card Controller) 110 for temporally storing thereincompressed image data and voice data fetched from a microphone 111 anddigitalized therein, subjecting the image data and voice data tosynchronization, and recording the data in or reading the data from thememory card 103; a microphone 111 which is voice data generating meansfor inputting voices and generating voice data; an ADPCM (AdaptiveDifferential Pulse Code Modulation) 112 for converting voice inputtedthrough the microphone 111 to digital data and also subjecting the voicedata to processing for compression or extension; a CPU 113 forcontrolling each of the sections described above; an MEM 114 which is awork memory for a system consisting of a ROM and a RAM; a remote controlfunction section 115 having a remotely controlled receiving function; anoperation display section 116 for key entry for various types of buttonsand switches described later as well as for display control of a displaypanel; a battery 117 for supplying an electric power to each of thesections described above; an optical low-pas filter 118 provided betweenthe lens unit 104 and the CCD 105; and a CG (character informationgenerating device) 122 for generating character code.

The liquid crystal monitor 102 comprises at least the liquid crystalpanel (LCD) 119 and the speaker 120. It should be noted that thereference numeral 121 indicates a battery for the liquid crystal monitor102.

In FIG. 13, the CPU 113 and a CG 122 play a role as a character codegenerating means according to the present invention, control programs inthe CPU 113 and MEM 114 play roles as a recording control means, a voicedata regenerating means, and a regeneration control means each accordingto the present invention, and the speaker 120 plays a role as a voiceoutput means according to the present invention.

FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B are views each showing appearance of a digitalstill video camera according to Embodiment 4. The digital still videocamera according to Embodiment 4 has various types of recording mode(operating mode) including a still picture mode for recording aphotographed image as a still picture, a successively photographing modefor recording still pictures successively, a voice mode for recording avoice, a still picture+voice mode for simultaneously recording a stillpicture and voices, a moving picture mode for recording moving picturelike a vide camera, a moving picture+voice mode for simultaneouslyrecording moving pictures and voices, and a character mode for clearlyrecording characters or the like.

FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B are views each showing appearance of the basicbody 101 of the camera. Herein description is made arrangement ofvarious types of buttons and switches and a display panel eachconstituting the operation display section 116 with reference to thefigures. As the various types of buttons and switches, there areprovided a main switch 1401 for the basic body 101 of the camera whichis a select switch for selecting any of the following three stages:power OFF, power ON (recording mode), and power ON (regenerating mode),a self mode button 1402 for setting a photographing mode with aself-timer (self mode), a strobo/deletion button 1403 for setting a modeconcerning light emission from a strobo, a recording mode button 1404for setting a recording mode, a zoom lever 1405 for changing a size ofan object to be photographed inside a finder, a release button 1406which is a 2-stage button for enabling an operation of an automaticfocus when lightly pressed down and for starting an operation forrecording into the memory card 103 when fully pressed down, a datebutton 1407 for adjusting a display concerning date, a time button 1408used for adjusting display for time, and an image quality mode switch1409 for switching an image quality mode (for instance, between theeconomy mode in which a number of copies to be prepared ispreferentially treated and a normal mode in which an image quality ispreferentially treated).

It should be noted that, in this figure, the reference numeral 1410indicates a card insertion port for inserting the memory card 103, andthe reference numeral 1411 indicates a battery cover for a batterysection in which the battery 117 is accommodated. Also as shown in thisfigure, the microphone 111 is provided therein.

Also the reference numeral 1412 indicates a display panel, and as shownin this figure, the display panel is provided on a top surface of thebasic body of the camera, and displays a state of the battery and astate of a camera such as a number of sheets which can be prepared, aset mode, or the like with marks or figures.

FIG. 15 shows a display screen of the display panel 1412, and thedisplay panel 1412 comprises a recorded information display section 1501used in recording for displaying a number of remaining copies to beprepared, a remaining period of time, a date, a time, and a card stateas well as for an operating mode and also used in regenerating fordisplaying an image file number, a counter, a card state, and anoperating mode; a strobo display section 1502 for showing whether thestrobo has been used or not and can be used or not; a card displaysection 1503 showing whether the memory card 103 has been set or not; abattery mark section for a memory card 1504 showing a residual charge ofthe battery for the memory card 103; a battery mark 1505 showing aresidual charge of the battery 117; a still image mode display section1506 for displaying that the sill picture mode has been set; a voicemode display section 1507 showing that the voice mode has been set, asuccessively photographing mode display section 1508 showing that thesuccessively photographing mode has been set; a moving picture modedisplay section 1509 showing that the moving picture mode has been set,and a character mode display section 1510 showing that the charactermode has been set.

It should be noted that, although the figure shows the state in whichall types of information are displayed simultaneously, but practicallyonly required information is displayed. Also in Embodiment 4, asdescribed later, it is assumed that display of the still picture+voicemode is provided by using the still picture mode display section 1506and the voice mode display section 1507 and also display of the movingpicture +voice mode is provided by using the moving picture mode displaysection 1509 and the voice mode display section 1507.

FIG. 16 shows switching of a display screen of the display panel 1412 inthe recording mode set as described above, and each time the recordingmode button 1404 shown in FIG. 14A is pressed down, the display screenof the display panel 1412 changes in the order of, for instance, "stillpicture mode", "still picture+voice mode", "successively photographingmode", "moving picture mode", "moving picture+voice mode", "voice mode","character mode", and "still picture mode".

With the configuration described above, description is made for theoperations. FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing an operational sequence inthe processing in the recording mode for recording information includingtherein voices. In Embodiment 4, the camera has three types of recordingmode; a voice mode, a still picture+voice mode, and a movingpicture+voice mode each as a mode for recording data including voices.When the main switch 1401 of the basic body of a camera is turned topower ON (a recording mode) and recording mode button 1404 is presseddown to switch a display screen on the display panel 1412 to that for adesired mode for recording data including voices as shown in FIG. 16,the CPU 113 executes processing according to the flow chart shown inFIG. 17.

At first if the selected mode is a voice mode for recording dataincluding voices, zero is set in a mode flag rec, and if it is a stillpicture+voice mode or a moving picture+voice mode, 1 is set in the modeflag rec (S1701).

Then determination is made as to whether the recording mode rec is 0 ornot (S1702), and if it is determined that rec=0, a user executes a voiceinput through the microphone 111 as long as a user desires (S1703), thensystem control goes to step S1705. On the other hand, if it isdetermined that rec is not 0, a user executes a voice input through themicrophone 111 within a preset period of time x (S1704), then systemcontrol goes to step S1705.

In step S1705, the inputted voice data is converted to digital data withthe ADPCM 112, and is compressed and temporarily stored in the memorycard 103. Then, the CPU determines whether voice recording is completeor not (S1706) and repeats step S1703 and step S1705 until the voicerecording is finished. It should be noted that, in a case where therecording mode rec is not 0 (namely, a case of rec=1), the voicerecording is finished within the x period of time through step S1704, sothat it is determined that the voice recording is always finished instep S1706, then system control goes to step S1707.

In step S1707, the CPU 113 identifies corresponding characterinformation by recognizing voices using the voice data temporarilystored in the memory card 103. Then the CPU 113 generates character codefor the corresponding character information by controlling the CG 122(S1708), and determination is made as to whether generation of charactercode is finished or not, in other words, whether all of the voice datahas been converted to character code or not (S1709), then the CPU 113repeats step S1707 and step S1708 until generation of all the charactercode is finished.

In step S1709, in a case where it is determined that generation of thecharacter code is finished, the CPU 113 deletes the voice datatemporarily stored in the memory card 103 (S1710), and saves (records)the generated character code in the memory card 103 (S1711).

Then, determination is again made as to whether the recording mode recis 0 or not (S1712), and if it is determined that rec=0, it isdetermined that the mode is a voice mode for recording therein onlyvoices, so that the CPU 113 terminates the processing as it is. On theother hand, if it is determined that rec is not 0, the mode is a stillpicture+voice mode or a moving picture+voice mode each for recordingimages other than voices, so that the CPU 113 photographs an image(S1713), saves (records) the inputted image data with reference to thecharacter code previously recorded in the memory card 103 as anidentical file (S1714), and terminates the processing.

With the processing as described above, the character code generatedaccording to the inputted voice data and the image data related to thecharacter code are recorded in the memory card 103 as an identical file.For this reason, the voice data is recorded therein as character codewhich can easily be processed by the computer, so that the charactercode (namely, the inputted voice data) can easily be made use of as aninformation source for other processing, which makes it possible toimprove the operability, workability, convenience in use of the digitalstill video camera.

Next description is made for regeneration processing in the mode forrecording data including voices with reference to FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is aflow chart showing an operational sequence in the regenerationprocessing in the mode for recording data including voices. When a poweris turned ON (a regenerating mode) by operating the main switch 1401 ofthe basic body of a camera, the CPU 113 executes processing according tothe flow chart shown in FIG. 18.

At first, when a power is turned ON by operating the main switch 1401 inthe regenerating mode, the CPU 113 displays a file name or a number ofthe information (images and voices) recorded in the memory card 103 onthe liquid crystal panel 119, and prompts a user to select informationfor regeneration. Herein, when the user selects desired information tobe regenerated from the file name or the number each displayed on theliquid crystal panel 119 through the operation display section 116(S1801), the CPU 113 determines whether character code is included inthe selected information to be regenerated or not (S1802).

In a case where it is determined that there is not character code in theselected information to be regenerated, system control goes to stepS1803, and the CPU 113 executes the ordinary regeneration processing andterminates the processing although detailed description thereof isomitted herein.

Also, in a case where it is determined that there is character code inthe selected information to be regenerated, determination is made as towhether the recording mode rec=0 or not (S1804), and if it is determinedthat rec=0, the CPU 113 reads out the character code for thecorresponding information to be regenerated from the memory card 103(S1805), regenerates the character code to voice data, regenerates thevoice data to voices through the speaker 120 for outputting, anddisplays the character code on the liquid crystal panel 119 (S1806), andthen terminates the processing.

If it is determined that rec is not 0, as the regeneration informationindicates that it has character code and image data, the CPU 113 readsthe character code and the image data each for the correspondingregeneration information from the memory card 103 (S1807), regeneratesthe character code to voice data, then regenerates the voice data tovoices through the speaker 120 for outputting, regenerates the imagedata to be displayed on the liquid crystal panel 119, and furtherdisplays the character code on the liquid crystal panel 119 (S1808), andterminates the processing.

FIG. 19 shows an example of display of image data as well as charactercode each regenerated on the liquid crystal panel 119 in step S1808. Asfor display of character code, as shown in the figure, there may beemployed a method of repeatedly displaying character code in the lowersection of the screen on the liquid crystal panel 119 by scrolling thescreen in the direction indicated by the arrow, or a method ofdisplaying character code in the lower section of the screen as it is ifonly a small number of characters are included in the data, so that themethod is not particularly limited to the methods described above. Also,in a case where the information to be regenerated includes only voicedata, a method of displaying the information page by page on the screenof the liquid crystal panel 119 can be used.

As described above, in Embodiment 4, as voice data is previouslyconverted to character code to be recorded in the memory card 103, thecharacter code can be converted to and regenerated as voices (voicedata), and can also be recognized by displaying the character code onthe liquid crystal panel 119, which makes it possible to improve theconvenience for users in use thereof.

Furthermore, by recording therein character code converted from voices,for instance, it is possible to fetch the character code on a personalcomputer which is an external device and to edit it to a document (forinstance, by pasting) as it is (or by converting it to kanji).Reversely, by recording a document edited on the personal computer inthe memory card 103 and regenerating it with the digital still videocamera, image data and character code (kanji) can simultaneously beregenerated. Also, even in a case where voices are hardly heard, or evenin a case where voices can not be outputted, it is possible to know theinformation with the characters displayed on the screen. In other words,by making use of the inputted voice data as an information source forother processing, the operability, workability, and convenience in useof the digital still video camera can be improved.

Also, after voice data is inputted to generate character code, an imageis photographed and image data for the image is generated, then thecharacter code and image data are recorded in a recording medium as anidentical file, so that it is easy to relate character code to imagedata.

The digital still video camera according to Embodiment 5 generatesvoiceprint information from the inputted voice data, and determineswhether the digital still video camera is enabled or is inhibited to useby making use of the voiceprint information, whereby security of theinformation can be improved. It should be noted that the configurationin Embodiment 5 is basically the same as that in Embodiment 4 shown inFIG. 13, so that description is made hereinafter only differentportions.

In Embodiment 5, the CPU 113 and the CG 122 in FIG. 13 play a role as acharacter code generating means according to the present invention,control programs in the CPU 113 and MEM 114 play roles as a recordingcontrol means, a voice data regenerating means, a regeneration controlmeans, a voiceprint information generating means, a voiceprintregistering means, a determining means, and an enabling/disablingcontrol means each according to the present invention, the speaker 120plays a role as a voice output means according to the present invention,and the MEM 114 plays a role as a memory means according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing an operational sequence in theprocessing for registering voiceprint information to the basic body 101of the camera, and when a user sets a voiceprint registering modethrough the operation display section 116, the CPU 113 executes thecontrol program for the processing for registering voiceprintinformation stored in the MEM 114.

At first, when a user makes voice (sound) within the preset y seconds,the CPU 113 receives voice data through the microphone 111 and analyzesthe voiceprint data to generate voiceprint information α (S2001). Then,when the user makes voice again, the CPU 113 receives the voice datathrough the microphone 111, analyzes the voiceprint of the data togenerate voiceprint information β (S2002), and makes determination as towhether the voiceprint information α and the voiceprint information βare identical to each other or not (S2003). Herein, if it is determinedthat the voiceprint information α is not identical to the voiceprintinformation β, system control returns to step S2001 and the CPU 113executes the same processing again. On the other hand, if it isdetermined that the voiceprint information α is identical to thevoiceprint information β, the user is prompted to select processingwhether the voiceprint information is to be registered or not (S2004),and if "to be registered" is selected, the CPU 113 registers thegenerated voiceprint information (α or β) to the MEM 114 in the basicbody 101 of the camera as registered voiceprint information (S2005). Onthe contrary, if "not to be registered" is selected, the CPU 113terminates the processing immediately.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing an operational sequence in theprocessing for checking voiceprint information (voiceprint informationidentification processing). This voiceprint information checkingprocessing is automatically executed by the CPU 113 before all theprocessing is executed for each time when a user turns ON a power forthe digital still video camera.

At first, when the user turns ON the main switch 1401 in the basic body101 of the camera (S2101), the registered voiceprint informationpreviously registered in the MEM 114 in the voiceprint informationregistering processing is inputted (S2102). Then, when the user makesvoice (sound) within the preset z seconds, the CPU 113 receives voicedata through the microphone 111, and analyzes the voiceprint of the datato generate inputted voiceprint information (S2103).

Then the CPU 113 compares the registered voiceprint information to theinputted voiceprint information, and makes determination as to whetherboth of the voiceprint information are identical to each other or not(S2104). Herein if it is determined that the registered voiceprintinformation and the inputted voiceprint information are identical toeach other, the fact indicates that a person who uses the basic body 101of a camera is identical to the person having the registered voiceprintinformation for which the camera is permitted to be used, so that thebasic body 101 of the camera is enabled (S2105), and the processing isterminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the registeredvoiceprint information and the inputted voiceprint information are notidentical to each other, the fact indicates that a person who uses thebasic body 101 of a camera is not identical to the person having theregistered voiceprint for which the camera is permitted to be used, sothat the basic body 101 of the camera is disabled and a messageindicating the disabled state is displayed on the screen (S2106), andthe processing is terminated.

As described above, with Embodiment 5, by previously generatingvoiceprint information from voice data to be registered to the camera,voiceprint information for an individual can be used like a passwordused for a personal computer or the like, which makes it possible toenhance security of a digital still video camera. Also, in addition tothe security, various types of conditions concerning photographing setin the basic body 101 of the camera are not changed without permission,and for this reason convenience in use thereof is improved.

Namely, inputted voice data is made use of as an information source forother processing, which makes it possible to improve the operability,workability, and convenience in use of the digital still video camera.

The digital still video camera according to Embodiment 6 generates voiceinformation from inputted voice data to be registered in a recordingmedium, and security of the information in the recording medium isimproved by making determination with the voiceprint information as towhether each of recording mediums is permitted to be used or isinhibited to be used. It should be noted that the configuration inEmbodiment 6 is basically the same as that in Embodiment 4 shown in FIG.13, so that description is made herein for only different portions.

In Embodiment 6, the CPU 113 and the CG 122 in FIG. 13 play a role as acharacter code generating means according to the present invention,control programs in the CPU 113 and MEM 114 play roles as a recordingcontrol means, a voice data regenerating means, a regeneration controlmeans, a voiceprint information generating means, a voiceprintinformation registering means, a determining means, and anenabling/disabling control means each according to the presentinvention, the speaker 120 plays a role as a voice output meansaccording to the present invention, and the MEM 114 plays a role as amemory means according to the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing an operating sequence in the processingfor registering voiceprint information into the memory card 103 which isa recording medium, and when a user sets a voiceprint registering modethrough the operation display section 116, the CPU 113 executes thecontrol program for voiceprint information registering processing storedin the MEM 114.

At first, when a user makes voice (sound) within the preset y seconds,the CPU 113 receives voice data through the microphone 111 and analyzesthe voiceprint of the data to generate voiceprint information α (S2201).Then, when the user makes voice again, the CPU 113 receives voice datathrough the microphone 111, analyzes the voiceprint of the data togenerate voiceprint information β (S2202), and makes determination as towhether the voiceprint information α and the voiceprint information βare identical to each other or not (S2203). Herein, if it is determinedthat the voiceprint information α is not identical to the voiceprintinformation β, system control returns to step S2201 and the CPU 113executes the same processing again. On the other hand, if it isdetermined that the voiceprint information α is identical to thevoiceprint information β, the user is prompted to select processingwhether the voiceprint information is registered or not (S2204), and if"to be registered" is selected, the CPU 113 registers the generatedvoiceprint information (α or β) to the memory card 103 as registeredvoiceprint information (S2205). On the contrary, if "not to beregistered" is selected, the CPU 113 terminates the processing as it is.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing an operational sequence in theprocessing for checking voiceprint information (voiceprint informationidentification processing). This voiceprint information checkingprocessing is automatically executed by the CPU 113 before all theprocessing is executed for each time when a user turns ON a power forthe digital still video camera or when the memory card 103 is exchangedwith other one.

At first, when the user turns ON the main switch 1401 in the basic body101 of the camera or exchanges the memory card 103 with other one(S2301), the registered voiceprint information previously registered inthe memory card 103 with the voiceprint information registeringprocessing is inputted (S2302). Then, when the user makes voice (sound)within the preset z seconds, the CPU 113 receives voice data through themicrophone 111, and analyzes the voiceprint of the data to generateinputted voiceprint information (S2303).

Then the CPU 113 compares the registered voiceprint information to theinputted voiceprint information, and makes determination as to whetherboth of the voiceprint information are identical to each other or not(S2304). Herein if it is determined that the registered voiceprintinformation and the inputted voiceprint information are identical toeach other, the fact indicates that a person who uses the insertedmemory card 103 is identical to the person having the registeredvoiceprint information for which the memory card 103 is permitted to beused, so that the memory card 103 is permitted to be used (S2305), andthe processing is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determinedthat the registered voiceprint information and the inputted voiceprintinformation are not identical to each other, the fact indicates that aperson who uses the inserted memory card 103 is not identical to theperson having the registered voiceprint information for which the memorycard 103 is permitted to be used, so that the memory card 103 isdisabled and alert indicating that the memory card 103 has to beexchanged with other one is issued (S2306), and the processing isterminated.

As described above, with Embodiment 6, by previously generatingvoiceprint information from voice data to be registered into the memorycard 103, voiceprint information for an individual can be used like apassword used for a personal computer or the like, which makes itpossible to enhance security of each of memory cards. Especially, inEmbodiment 6, different from Embodiment 5, the basic body 101 of acamera is permitted to be used by a large number of unspecified users,and only the memory card 103 can confidentially be handled. Furthermore,by executing the voiceprint information checking processing shown inFIG. 23 on the personal computer, the security of the memory card 103can be maintained also on the PC.

Namely, inputted voice data is made use of as an information source forother processing, which makes it possible to improve the operability,workability, and convenience in use of the digital still video camera.

As for a digital still video camera according to Embodiment 7 having thesame configuration and operations as those in Embodiment 4, operationsare executed according to an operational sequence shown in the flowchart for recording processing in the recording mode including thereinvoices shown in FIG. 24, and not according to an operational sequenceshown in the flow chart shown in FIG. 17. Namely, after an image isphotographed and image data for the image is generated, voice data isinputted to generate character code, and the image data and thecharacter code are recorded in the memory card 103 as an identical file.

FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing an operational sequence in the recordingprocessing in the mode for recording data including voices according toEmbodiment 7, and reference code common to those in the flow chart shownin FIG. 17 indicate the same processing step, so that description ismade herein for only different portions.

At first if the selected mode is a voice mode in the mode for recordingdata including voices, zero is set in a mode flag rec, and if it is astill picture+voice mode or a moving picture+voice mode, 1 is set in themode flag rec (S1701). Then determination is made as to whether therecording mode rec is 0 or not in step S1702, and if it is determinedthat rec=0, a user executes a voice input through the microphone 111 aslong as a user desires (S1703) because zero indicates a voice mode forrecording only voices, then system control goes to step S1705.

On the other hand, if it is determined that rec is not 0, whichindicates that the mode is a still picture+voice mode or a movingpicture+voice mode each for recording images other than voices, so thatthe CPU photographs an image (S2401), saves (records) the inputted imagedata in the memory card 103 (S2402), then a user executes a voice inputthrough the microphone 111 within x period of time preset in step S1704,then system control goes to step S1705.

Then, the CPU 113 executes the processing from step S1705 to step S1710,and then makes again determination as to whether the recording mode recis 0 or not (S2403), and if it is determined that rec=0, the mode is avoice mode for recording only voices, so that the CPU 113 saves(records) the generated character code in the memory card 103 (S2404),and terminates the processing. On the other hand, if it is determinedthat rec is not 0, the mode is a still picture+voice mode or a movingpicture+voice mode each for recording images other than voices, so thatthe CPU 113 relates the generated character code to the image datapreviously recorded in the memory card 103 and saves (records) the dataas an identical file (S2405), and terminates the processing.

As described above, with Embodiment 7, in addition to the same effect asthat obtained in Embodiment 4, the CUP 113 photographs an image andgenerates image data for the image, then inputs voice data to generatecharacter code, and records the image data and the character code in therecording medium as an identical file, so that it is easy to relatecharacter code to image data.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a key section of the configuration ofa data transfer system for a digital still video camera using a framefor data relay according to Embodiment 8, and the system largelycomprises a digital still video camera 2501 having a function for radiocommunication making use of infrared rays, a DSVC drive (Digital StillVideo Camera Drive) 2502 as a frame for data relay for stably retainingthe digital still video camera 2501 and relaying data by means oftransaction with the digital still video camera 2501 to externalequipment, and a computer 2503 as external equipment.

The digital still video camera 2501 comprises a transmitting/receivingsection 2501a for data transaction through radio communications makinguse of infrared rays, an operation display section 2501b for operatingthe digital still video camera 2501, and a control section 2501c forcontrolling the digital still video camera 2501.

The DSVC drive 2502 comprises a mounting tray 2502a as a retaining meansfor stably supporting the digital still video camera 2501, atransmitting/receiving section 2502b as a radio communicating means fordata transaction through radio communications with the digital stillvideo camera 2501 mounted (retained) by the mounting tray 2502a, and anI/F (interface) circuit 2502c as a data input/output means foroutputting data inputted from the transmitting/receiving section 2502bto the computer 2503 and also outputting data inputted from the computer2503 to the transmitting/receiving section 2502b. It should be notedthat, in the figure, the reference numeral 2502d indicates a window forcommunications provided on the mounting tray 2502a in which thetransmitting/receiving section 2502b and the transmitting/receivingsection 2501a of the digital still video camera 2501 are provided atpositions opposite to each other.

The computer 2503 comprises an I/F circuit 2503a for inputting datato/outputting data from an I/F circuit 2502c of the DSVC 2502, anoperation display section 2503b for operating the computer 2503, amemory 2503c storing therein a DSVC application program (the applicationmeans according to the present invention) for controlling operation ofthe digital still video camera 2501, and a control section 2503d forcontrolling the computer 2503.

FIG. 26 is a view showing appearance of the DSVC drive 2502. As shown inthis figure, when the digital still video camera 2501 is placed on themounting tray 2502a, the transmitting/receiving section 2501a of thedigital still video camera 250 is positioned at the communication window2502d of the mounting tray 2502a. In this state, the digital still videocamera 2501 is supported by the mounting tray 2502a under stableconditions.

After mounted, when the mounting tray 2502a is pulled into the DSVCdrive 2502, the digital still video camera 2501 is accommodated togetherwith the mounting tray 2502a in the DSVC drive 2502, thetransmitting/receiving section 2501a and the transmitting/receivingsection 2502b are fixed at positions correcting opposing to each otherwith the communication window 2502d therebetween.

With the configuration described above, next description is made foroperations thereof with reference to FIG. 27 and FIG. 28. FIG. 27 is ageneral flow chart showing operations of the digital still video camera2501, and FIG. 28 a is a flow chart showing a case where operations ofthe digital still video camera 2501 are controlled by the computer 2503.

As shown in FIG. 27, in the side of the digital still video camera 2501,at first the mains witch is turned ON in the communication mode (S2701).In this state, as shown in FIG. 26, when the digital still video camera2501 is mounted on the mounting tray 2502a of the DSVC drive 2502 and isaccommodated in the DSVC drive 2502, the control section 2501c connectsto a communicating device (herein the computer 2503) via thetransmitting/receiving section 2501a according to a specified protocol(S2702), and then transacts information with the communicating device(S2703). Whether a DSVC application program has been installed on thecommunicating device or not is checked through this informationtransaction.

Then, determination is made as to whether the DSVC application programhas been installed in the communicating device or not (S2704), and if itis determined that the DSVC application program has been installedtherein, an operation key of the operation display section 2501b in theDSVC drive is locked (S2705), and system control advances to step S2706.On the other hand, if it is determined that the DSVC application programhas not been installed, system control goes to step S2706.

In step S2706, the DSVC drive 2507 is enabled. Then, an operating modeis selected, operations are executed in the selected mode (S2707) underoperation control with the operation display section 2501b of the DSVCdrive 2502 or under control by the DSVC application program installed inthe communicating device, and then when the end mode is selected(S2708), the processing is terminated.

It should be noted that modes executable in the digital still videocamera 2501 include, for instance, a recording mode for recording imageand voice data, an editing mode for deleting image and voice data, aregenerating mode for regenerating image and voice data, a searchingmode for searching image and voice data, and end mode for instructingend of the processing.

Also in a case where operations of the digital still video camera 2501are controlled by the computer 2503, operations as shown in FIG. 28 areexecuted in the side of the computer 2503. At first, when the DSVCapplication program stored in the memory 2503c is started (S2801), thecontrol section 2503d executes information transaction with the digitalstill video camera 2501 via the I/F circuit 2503a according to aspecified protocol (S2802). Through this information transaction, theinformation indicating that the DSVC application program has beeninstalled is sent to the digital still video camera 2501.

Then with the DSVC application program, operation control for thedigital still video camera 2501 is executed (S2803), and when all theoperations are executed, an end command is inputted (S2804), when theprocessing is terminated.

As described above, with Embodiment 8, radio communications is executedbetween the transmitting/receiving section 2501a and thetransmitting/receiving section 2502b in the state where the digitalstill video camera 2501 is stably supported on the mounting tray 2502aof the DSVC drive 2502, and also data is transferred from thetransmitting/receiving section 2502b via the I/F circuit 2502c to thecomputer 2503, so that data in the digital still video camera 2501 issimply and accurately transferred to the computer 2503 (externaldevice).

In a case where the DSVC application program has been installed in thecomputer 2503, entry from the operation key of the digital still videocamera 2501 is inhibited and operation control for the digital stillvideo camera 2501 is executed using the DSVC application program fromthe side of the computer 2503, so that operability and convenience indata transfer from a digital still video camera to a computer (externaldevice) can be improved.

It should be noted that, in Embodiment 8, as shown in FIG. 29A, the DSVCdrive 2502 as a frame for data relay is an independent device and isconnected to the computer 2503, but that configuration of the presentinvention is not limited to this case and as shown in FIG. 29B, the DSVCdrive 2502 may be incorporated in the computer 2503.

Further, although description of Embodiment 8 assumes a case where anexternal device to which the DSVC drive 2502 is connected is thecomputer 2503, the configuration is allowable in which the DSVC drive2502 is connected to the printer 2901 and data in the digital stillvideo camera 2501 is directly outputted to the printer 2901. Further asshown in FIG. 29D, the DSVC drive 2502 may be connected to a digitalcopying machine 2902.

Further a form of the DSVC drive 2502 as a frame for data relay is notlimited to that described above, and for instance the construction isallowable in which an upper section of the DSVC drive 2502 is opened sothat operation keys of the digital still vide camera 2501 can beoperated in the state where the digital still video camera 2501 ismounted on the mounting tray 2502a.

A data transfer system of the digital still video camera according toEmbodiment 9 has the same configuration as that in Embodiment 8 shown inFIG. 25, said data transfer system comprising a selecting means forspecifying with which of the digital still vide camera 2501 and thecomputer (external device) 2503 operation control for the digital stillvideo camera should be executed, and an operation control validatingmeans for validating operation control by either the device itself orthe computer 2503 according to a result of selection in the selectingmeans each provided in the side of the digital still video camera 2501,and in a case where the computer 2502 is selected by the selectingmeans, operation control by the computer 2503 is validated so thatoperation control for the digital still video camera 2501 can beexecuted with a DSVC application program.

It should be noted that, in FIG. 25, the operation display section 2501bplays a role of the selecting means according to the present inventionand the control section 2501c plays a role of the operation controlvalidating means according to the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a general flow chart showing operations of the digital stillvideo camera according to Embodiment 9, and in the side of the digitalstill video camera 2501, at first when the main switch is turned ON inthe communication mode (S3001), the digital still video camera 2501 isenabled (S3002). Then a user executes operation control using theoperation display section 2501b of the digital still video camera 2501to select a mode, when operations are executed in the selected mode(S3003). Herein it is possible to specify with which of the digitalstill video camera 2501 and the external device (herein the computer2503) operation control for the digital still video camera is to beexecuted by specifying a DSVC operation and external device operation inthe initiative mode.

Then in step S3004, determination is made as to which of the DSVCoperation and external device operation has been selected in theinitiative mode, and if it is determined that the DSVC operation hasbeen selected, the operation display section 2501b of the digital stillvideo camera 2501 is validated (S3005). If it is determined that theDSVC operation has not been selected, the operation display section2503b of the external device (computer 2503) is validated (S3006).

Then determination is made as to whether the current operating mode isthe end mode or not (S3007), and if it is determined that the currentoperating mode is the end mode, the processing is terminated. If it isdetermined that the current operating mode is not the end mode, systemcontrol returns to step S3003, and mode selection and execution ofoperations are repeated according to the operation control from theoperation display section selected in the initiative mode.

As described above, with Embodiment 9, with which of the digital stillvideo camera 2501 and an external device operation control for thedigital still video camera is executed can be selected in the side ofthe digital still video camera 2501, so that, in a case where anexternal device is a machine capable of executing advanced operationcontrol, the external device operation is selected so that the externaldevice take a charge for image output like a printer or the like, and ina case where the external device is a machine with low operability, thedigital still video camera 2501 can be selected. In other words, it ispossible to improve the operability and convenience in data transferfrom the digital still video camera 2501 to an external device.

A data transfer system of the digital still vide camera according toEmbodiment 10 of the present invention has the same configuration asthat in Embodiment 8 shown in FIG. 25, and in the configuration aoperation section function selecting means for comparing functions of anoperation section of the digital still video camera 2501 to those of anexternal device (herein the computer 2503) and selecting either moreexcellent functions and an operation control validating means forvalidating operation control by either the digital still video camera2501 itself or an external device according to a result of selection bythe operation section function selecting means are provided in the sideof the digital still video camera 2501, and in a case where an externaldevice is selected by the operation section function selecting means,operation control by the external device is validated so that operationcontrol for the digital still video camera 2501 can be executed by usinga DSVC application program installed in the external device.

FIG. 31 is a general flow chart showing operations of the digital stillvideo camera according to Embodiment 10. It should be noted that thebasic operations are the same as those shown in the general flow chartfor Embodiment 8 shown in FIG. 27, and common signs indicate the sameprocessing respectively, so that description is made herein for onlydifferent points. In the side of the digital still video camera 2501, atfirst the main switch is turned ON in the communication mode (S2701). Inthis state, when the digital still video camera 2501 is placed on themounting tray 2502a of the DSVC drive 2502 and is accommodated in theDSVC drive 2502, the digital still video camera 2501 is connected to acommunicating device (herein the computer 2503) (S2702), and thenexecutes information with the communicating device (S2703). In thisinformation transaction, functions of the operation section of thecommunicating device (herein functions of the operation display section2503b) are inputted.

The functions of the operation section of the digital still video camera2501 are compared to those of the communicating device, anddetermination is made whether the functions of the operation section ofthe digital still video camera 2501 are more excellent as compared tothose of the communicating device or not (S3101).

Herein if it is determined that functions of the operation section ofthe digital still video camera 2501 are more excellent, the operationdisplay section 2501b of the digital still video camera 2501 isvalidated (S3102), and system control advances to step S2706.

If it s determined that functions of the operation section of thecommunicating device are more excellent, the operation display sectionof the communicating device (herein the operating display section 2503bof the computer 2503) is validated (S3103), and system control advancesto step S2706.

In step S2706, the digital still video camera 2501 is enabled. Then modeselection and operations in the selected mode are executed according tooperation control from the validated operation display section (S2707),and if the end mode is selected (S2708), the processing is terminated.

As described above, with Embodiment 10, an operation display section ofthe digital still video camera 2501 or an external device, either onewith more excellent operability, is automatically validated, so that itis possible to improve operability and convenience in data transfer froma digital still video camera to an external device.

FIG. 13 described above is a block diagram showing a digital still videocamera according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention, and FIG. 14Aand FIG. 14B each show appearance of the basic system 101 of the camera.Detailed description was already made for FIG. 13 and FIGS. 14A and 14B,so that description thereof is omitted herein.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 13 and FIGS. 14A and 14B, the MEM 114plays a role of a memory means according to Embodiment 11, and aplurality of mask information consisting of a plurality of regions eachwith at least one of two different types of compression rate set thereinis stored in the MEM 114. Also the operation display section 116(display panel 1412 and recording mode button 1404) constitutes aspecifying means according to the present invention for specifying themask compression mode for executing compression processing using themask information. Also an image compressing means, an image extendingmeans, an image compressing/extending means, and an adding means eachaccording to the present invention are realized by a control programstored in the CPU 113 as well as in a ROM of the MEM 114 (flow chartsshown in FIG. 37 to FIG. 40) and by the IPP 107. Furthermore, theselecting means and the mask information generating/registering meansaccording to the present invention are realized by the liquid crystalmonitor 102 and the operation display section 116.

FIG. 32 shows a display screen of the display panel 1412 comprising arecorded information display section 3201 used in recording fordisplaying a remaining copies to be prepared, a remaining period oftime, a date, a time, a card state, and a mode and also used inregenerating for displaying an image file number, a counter, a cardstate, and a mode; a strobo display section 3202 for showing whether astrobo has been used or not or can be used or not; a card displaysection 3203 for showing whether the memory card has been set or not; abattery mark section 3204 for memory card showing whether a residualcharge is present in a battery for the memory card 103 or not; a batterymark 3205 for showing whether a residual charge is present in thebattery 117 or not; a still picture mode display section 3206 forshowing that the still picture mode has been set; a voice mode displaysection 3207 for showing that the voice mode has been set; asuccessively photographing mode display section 3208 for showing thatthe successively photographing mode has been set; a moving picture modedisplay section 3209 for showing that the moving picture mode has beenset; and the mask compression mode display section 3210 for showing thatthe mask compression mode for compression processing using the maskinformation according to the present invention has been set.

It should be noted that, although the figure shows the state where alltypes of information are simultaneously displayed, actually onlynecessary information is displayed.

FIG. 33 shows switching of a display screen of the display panel 1412 inthe recording mode set as described above, and each time the recordingmode button 1404 shown in FIG. 14A is pressed down, as shown in thefigure, the display screen of the display panel 1412 is switched. To setthe mask compression mode, the mask compression mode display section3210 is displayed, and a user selects a required mask information number3301 described later.

Next description is made for a method of selecting mask information (amethod of specifying mask information) as well as for configuration ofmask information with reference to FIG. 34 to FIG. 36. It should benoted that FIG. 34 shows a mask information select screen display on theliquid crystal panel 119 of the liquid crystal monitor 102, FIG. 35shows an example of configuration of mask information corresponding tothe mask information number "No. 2" in FIG. 34, and FIG. 36 shows anexample of mask information corresponding to the mask information number"No.4" shown in FIG. 34.

As described in relation to FIG. 33, when the recording mode button 1404is operated and the mask compression mode display section 3210 isdisplayed on the display panel 1412, a signal indicating that the maskcompression mode has been set is outputted from the operation displaysection 116 to the CPU 113. When the CPU 113 receives the signal, aplurality types of mask information previously stored in the MEM 114 aredisplayed on the liquid crystal panel 119 of the liquid crystal monitor102. For instance, as shown in FIG. 34, 4 types of mask information aredisplayed. When a user presses down a specified button or switch on theoperation display section 116 to specify any of mask information numbers(No. 1 to No. 4) added to these mask information, in the subsequent maskcompression mode, compression processing or extension processing isexecuted using the mask information corresponding to the specified maskinformation number.

As shown in the figure, each mask information is built with acombination of a blank section and a shadowed section, and the blacksection indicates a portion to be processed with a low compression rateor without compression, and the shadowed section indicates a portion tobe processed with a high compression rate. In other words, an object tobe photographed as a basic body to be recorded is present in the blanksection so that recording is executed without losing information so much(or the information has been recorded), while the shadowed section is aportion in which recording is executing (or was executed) with asubstantial portion of the information lost.

Furthermore, the mask information corresponding to each of the maskinformation numbers No.1 to No.3 indicates two types of compression rateindicated by the black section (a section with a low compression rate orwithout compression) and a shadowed section (with a high compressionrate), and the mask information corresponding to the mask informationnumber No.4 indicates a case where three types of compression rateincluding the two types above and a dot point section (with aintermediate compression rate) are used.

Herein an example of configuration of the mask information correspondingto the mask information number "No.2" shown in FIG. 34 is described withreference to FIG. 35. The mask information has a size of an image areafor one screen photographed by the basic body 101 of the camera. Hereinit is assumed herein that a size of an image area for one screen isheight H×width W. The image area for one screen is divided to M×N piecesof blocks (regions), and one block has a size of height h×width w(n=H/M, w=W/N). It should be noted that one or more sets of 8×8 pixelsrequired for image compression exist in this block size (h×w).

As for the mask information corresponding to the mask information number"No.2", "0" is set in each of the blocks in the shadowed section wherecompression (or extension) is executed with a high compression rate, and"1" is set in each of the blocks in the blank section where compression(or extension) is executed with a low compression rate or with nocompression is not executed. It should be noted that, in the processingfor recording or regeneration described later, by using "0" and "1" setin the blocks respectively, an image can be obtained by regenerating theblack section in which a photographed object as a basic body is presentwith a large volume of information and the peripheral shadowed sectionwith a small quantity of information.

FIG. 36 shows an example of configuration of the mask informationcorresponding to the mask information number "No.4" shown in FIG. 34,and in this configuration "0" is set in each of the blocks in theshadowed section where compression (or extension) is executed with ahigh compression rate and "1" is set in each of the blocks in the blanksection where compression is executed with a low compression rate orwith no compression, and "2" is set in each of the blocks in the dotpoint section where compression (or extension) is executed with anintermediate compression rate. As described above, two or more types ofcompression rate can be used.

With the configuration described above, next description is made foroperations thereof in the order of 1) processing for recording(compression) in the mask compression mode, 2) processing forregeneration (or for extension) of an image, and 3) processing forediting mask information (generation and updating of mask information).

1) Processing for recording (compression) in the mask compression mode

FIG. 37 is a flow chart showing the processing for recording(compression) in the mask compression mode. When a user sets the maskcompression mode display section 3210 in the displayed state and sets upa mask compression mode, the CPU 113 executes step S3701, and the maskinformation select screen is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 119as shown in FIG. 34, and the user is prompted to select any of the maskinformation. Herein, if the user specifies the mask information number3301 for desired mask information, the CPU 113 at first reads out thecorresponding mask information from the MEM 114 and sets the maskinformation in the MEM 114.

Then when the user presses down the release button 1406, photographingis started and image data is inputted via the lens unit 104, CCD 105 andA/D converter 106 into the IPP 107 (S3702).

The IPP 107 executes the processing for compression changing thecompression rate according to each blocks for the specified maskinformation and a compression rate thereof. It should be noted thatchange of a compression rate in this embodiment means change of acompression rate according to chrominance of image data. The image dataoutputted from the IPP 107 is recorded via the DCT 108, coder 109, MCC110 into the memory card 103 (S3703). It should be noted that the CPU113 adds, when recording compressed image data via the MCC into thememory card 103, mask identifying information for identifying the maskinformation used in the image data.

Herein description is made for processing for recording an imageaccording to the mask information in step S3703 with reference to theflow chart shown in FIG. 38. It should be noted that the followingdescription is made for the purpose of simplification for a case wherethe processing for recording is executed using two types of compressionrate (low compression rate; 0, and high compression rate: 1). At first,the image data is divided according to block of the mask information,determination is made as to whether mask information for a block to beprocessed is "0" or not (S3801), and if it is determined that the maskinformation for the block is "0", the block to be processed iscompressed with a high compression rate (S3802), the corresponding imagedata is written in the memory card 103 (S3804), determination is made asto whether the block to be processed is a final one or not (S3805), andif it is determined that the block is not a final one, the block forprocessing is shifted (S3806), and system control returns to step S3801.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3801 that the maskinformation is not "0", the block to be processed is compressed with alow compression rate or with no compression (S3803), and the operationsin step S3804 and on are executed.

As described above, image data is recorded in the memory card 103changing a compression rate using the mask information, so that an imagein the intended area (a main portion) can be recorded with a high volumeof information according to a design intended by the user.

2) Processing for regenerating (extension of) an image

Next description is made for the processing for regenerating image datahaving been subjected to compression using mask information. In a casewhere an image recorded in the memory card 103 is regenerated, when amain switch 1401 is set in the regeneration mode, the image (a name or anumber of an image file) stored in the memory card 103 is displayed onthe liquid crystal panel 119. When a user selects a desired image to beregenerated via the operation display section 116 from the displayedimages (S3901), the CPU 113 determines whether mask identifyinginformation has been added to the image or not (S3902), and if it isdetermined that the mask identifying information has not been added, theCPU 113 reads out the image (compressed image) from the memory card 103,extends the corresponding image through the coder 109, DCT 108, and IPP107, and displays the regenerated image on the liquid crystal panel 119(S3903).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the mask identifyinginformation has been added, the CPU 113 identifies the used maskinformation from the mask identifying formation, reads out the maskinformation from the MEM 114, and sets the mask information in the IPP107 (S3904). Then the CPU 113 reads out the image (compressed image)from the memory card 103, transfers the image data via the coder 109,DCT 108 to the IPP 107, executes the processing for extension changing acompression rate (herein, an extension ratio) according to each of theblocks of the mask information set in the IPP 107 and a compressionthereof as described above, and displays the regenerated image on theliquid crystal panel 119 (S3905).

As described above, it is possible to regenerate an intended area (amain portion) of an image recorded in the memory card 103 by using maskinformation and changing a compression rate according to a layoutintended by a user and with a high volume of information.

It should be noted that, although the description of this embodimentabove assumes a case where the digital still video camera itself is animage regenerating device, configuration of the embodiment is notlimited to that described above, and for instance, an image regeneratingdevice dedicated to a computer or a work station may be used.

Also it is possible to provide a selecting means for selecting desiredmask information from a plurality of mask information in the side of theimage regenerating device so that a user can select mask information toregenerate (or extend) the image.

3) Processing for editing mask information (processing for preparing andupdating mask information)

Next description is made for the processing for editing mask information(processing for preparing and updating mask information) with referenceto FIG. 40. When the processing for editing mask information isexecuted, when a user calls out the mask information select screen shownin FIG. 34 according to the same procedure as that in the maskcompression mode and presses down a specified switch in the operationdisplay section 116, execution of operations indicated by the flow chartshowing the processing for editing mask information as shown in FIG. 40is started.

At first when a user specifies a mask information number from the maskinformation select screen and selects desired mask information, theselected mask information is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 119(S4001). Then the user adjusts a position and a width for dividing theimage changing the compression rate with the liquid crystal panel 119and the operation display section 116 to further set a new compressionrate (S4002). Then the user presses down a specified button to input endof the adjustment (S4003), when the mask information is generated withthe h×w blocks described above (S4004).

Then whether mask information is to be registered in the liquid crystalpanel 119 or not is displayed (S4005), and if it is specified toregister the mask information in the liquid crystal panel 119, the useris prompted to input (specify) a mask information number to beregistered, and when the number is inputted (S4006), the maskinformation is recorded with the corresponding number in the MEM 114(S4007), and then the processing is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is specified not to register the maskinformation in step S4005, whether the mask information is to be deletedor not is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 119 (S4008), and ifdeletion is selected, the user is prompted to input (specify) a maskinformation number to be deleted, and when the number is inputted(S4009), the mask information corresponding to the number is deletedfrom the MEM 114 (S4010), and the processing is terminated. If nodeletion is selected in step S4008, the processing is terminatedimmediately.

As described above, as a user can prepare and update arbitrary maskinformation, for instance in a case where many images each having aspecified distance and a layout are to be photographed, it is possibleto record the required portion according to the user's intention withoutsubstantially reducing a volume of information. Also it is possible toset a compression rate according to the layout and a freedom in settinga compression rate increases.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a digital still video cameraaccording to Embodiment 12 of the present invention, and FIGS. 14A and14B each show appearance of the basic body 101 of the camera. In theconfiguration shown in FIG. 13 and FIGS. 14A and 14B, the speaker 120and earphone jack 122 play a role of a plurality of voice output meansaccording to the present invention, the operation display section 116plays a role of the setting means according to the present invention,and the residual memory space computing means and the residual memoryspace reporting means comprises control programs stored in the CPU 113and MEM 114, respectively. Further, FIG. 15 show display screens of thedisplay panel according to Embodiment 12. Details of FIG. 13 to FIG. 15were already described above, so that description thereof is omittedherein.

It should be noted that, although FIG. 15 shows a case where all typesof information are displayed simultaneously, actually only necessaryinformation is displayed. Also it is assumed that, in Embodiment 12,display in the still picture+voice mode is provided by using the stillpicture mode display section 1506 and the voice mode display section1507 as described later.

In Embodiment 12, FIG. 41 shows switching of a display screen of thedisplay panel 1412 in the set recording mode, and each time therecording mode button 1404 shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B is pressed down,as shown in the figure, a display screen of the display panel 1412 isswitched. In this figure, designated at the reference numeral 4101 is anumber of remaining sheet of sill pictures which can be photographed inthe still picture mode, at 4102 a number of sheets of picture which canbe photographed in the still picture+voice mode, at 4103 a number ofsheets of pictures which can be photographed in the successivelyphotographing mode, at 4104 remaining times for photographing in themoving picture more, at 4105 a remaining period of time forphotographing in the voice mode, and at 4106 a number of remainingsheets of picture which can be photographed in the character code, and avalue computed according to a quantity of memory space for recording inthe memory card 103 is displayed each time the recording mode isswitched.

With the configuration above, now description is made for operationsthereof. FIG. 42 is a flow chart showing operations in Embodiment 2. Itshould be noted that the digital still video camera according toEmbodiment 12 has various types of operating mode including a recordingmode for photographing an image and/or receiving voices and recordingthe data in the memory card 103, a deleting mode for deleting a file ofimages and/or voice recorded in the memory card 103, a residual memoryspace reporting mode for reporting a residual space memory in the memorycard 103, a regenerating mode for regenerating images and/or voicesrecorded in the memory card 103, a searching mode for searching a fileof images and/or voices recorded in the memory card 103, a communicationmode for transferring a file of images and/or voices recorded in thememory card 103 to an external device by means of communications, and anend mode for executing the processing for termination upon power turnOFF by the main switch 1401, but herein to simplify description,description is made only for the recording mode and deleting mode eachgiving influence to a remaining memory space for recording in the memorycard 103 and the residual memory space reporting mode which is a keyportion of the present invention.

When the main switch 1401 of the basic body 101 of the camera isswitched to power ON (recording mode) or power ON (regenerating mode)(S4201), the CPU 113 starts initial setting for the system, and at thesame time computes a residual memory space variable for recording in thememory card 103 (S4202).

It should be noted that the residual memory space (capacity A) forrecording in the memory card 103 can be computed by subtracting memoryspace having been used for recording various types of memory space froma rate memory capacity of the memory card 103. Also a method isallowable in which a residual space memory is recorded at a certain areaof the memory card 103, and in this case, after power is turned ON, therecorded residual space may be read out from the memory card 103.

Then, initial setting for the system is finished, and so long as anyerror is not generated, the system is enabled (S4203).

When the system is enabled, a user selects a mode through the operationdisplay section 116 and inputs the selected mode, when the CPU 113executes operation (1) to (4) in the selected mode (S4204). Althoughdetailed description is not made herein, the recording mode is selectedby setting the main switch 1401 in power ON (recording mode), and thedeleting mode as well as the residual memory space reporting mode is setas the power is turned ON (regenerating mode) and the mode selection isexecuted. Also the end mode is selected by setting the main switch 1401in power OFF and is executed before actually the power is disconnected.

(1) When the recording mode is selected, the CPU 113 records image andvoice information in the memory card 103, then computes a memory space(capacity B) required for recording the information, and maintains thedata.

(2) When the deleting mode is selected, the CPU 113 computes a memoryspace (capacity C) for the image/voice data having been deleted from thememory card 103, and stores the data.

(3) When the residual space memory reporting mode is selected, the CPU113 sets the residual memory space reporting mode and computes a memoryspace currently available for recording (capacity D).

It should be noted that the capacity D=Capacity A-Capacity B+Capacity C.

(4) When the power is turned OFF and the end mode is selected, systemend is set. In this step, in a case where the capacity A is read fromthe memory card 103, the memory space available for recording at thecurrent point of time (capacity D) is recorded in a specified area ofthe memory card 103.

Then, determination is made as to whether system operation is to beterminated or not (S4205), and if it is determined that the systemoperation is to be terminated, the processing is terminated. If not,determination is made as to whether the residual memory space reportingmode has been set or not (S4206), and if it is determined that theresidual memory space reporting mode has not been set, system controlreturns to step 4204, and if it is determined that the residual memoryspace reporting mode has been set, system controls goes to step S4207.

In step S4207, a number of remaining sheets of pictures which can bephotographed and a remaining period of time operable in each recordingmode (such as the still picture mode or voice made) is computed from aresidual memory space (capacity D) at the current point of time. Thenthe number of remaining sheets of pictures and remaining period of time(namely the residual memory space D) are communicated in voice throughthe speaker 120, and then system control returns to step S4204.

It should be noted that there are a number of recording modes in adigital still vide camera including a still picture mode, a stillpicture+voice mode, a successively photographing mode, a moving picturemode, a voice mode, and character mode. For this reason, a memory spacerequired for recording in the memory card 103 varies according to therecording mode. So it is important to compute a residual memory spaceavailable for recording in each recording mode and communicate it invoice through the speaker 120.

Also when an image is recorded, if a plurality levels of compressionrates in recording can be selected, a memory space available forrecording is computed for each compression rate, and further when acompression rate automatically changes according to an object to bephotographed, a residual memory space is computed using a compressionrate for the highest image quality. Also in a case of voices, if thecompression rate can be changed, a residual memory space is computed foreach compression rate.

As described above, by setting the residual memory space reporting mode,each time the recording mode or the deleting mode is executed, aresidual memory space available for recording at the point of time iscommunicated in voice, so that it is possible to alert a user with voicecommunications and accurately tell the user the residual memory spacefor recording in the memory card 103. Also it is not necessary to checkthe display panel 1412 of the basic body 101 of the camera, so that theuser can concentrate only to an object to be photographed whenphotographing an image. Also it is not necessary for a user to remembermany display codes even in a case where the display panel 1412 is small,so that the user can always check a residual memory space available forrecording, which improves convenience in use of the digital still videcamera.

In the digital still video camera according to Embodiment 13 of thepresent invention, in a case where the residual memory space reportingmode is set, it is possible to specify any of a plurality of voiceoutput means (speaker 120 and earphone jack 122) for output of voice forreporting the residual memory space to the user.

It should be noted that, as configuration of the digital still videocamera is the same as that in Embodiment 12, description is made hereinonly for different portions.

FIG. 43 is a general flow chart showing operations in Embodiment 13, andwhen the main switch 1401 on the basic body 101 of the camera isswitched to power ON (recording mode) or power ON (regenerating mode)(S4301), the CPU 113 starts initialization of the system and at the sametime computes a residual memory space (capacity A) for recording in thememory card 103 (S4302).

Then system initialization is finished, and if there has occurred noerror, the system is enabled (S4303).

When the system is enabled, a user selects a mode through the operationdisplay section 116 and inputs the selected mode, when the CPU 113executes operation (1) to (4) in the selected mode (S4304). Althoughdetailed description is not made herein, the recording mode is selectedby setting the main switch 1401 in power ON (recording mode), and thedeleting mode, the residual memory space reporting mode, and theearphone mode (a mode in which the earphone jack 122 is specified as avoice output means) are set as the power is turned ON (regeneratingmode) and the mode selection is executed. Also the end mode is selectedby setting the main switch 1401 in power OFF and is executed beforeactually the power is disconnected.

(1) When the recording mode is selected, the CPU 113 records image andvoice information in the memory card 103, then computes a memory spacerequired for recording the information, and maintains the data.

(2) When the deleting mode is selected, the CPU 113 computes a memoryspace (capacity C) for the image/voice data having been deleted from thememory card 103, and stores the data.

(3) When the residual space memory reporting mode is selected, the CPU113 sets the residual memory space reporting mode and computes a memoryspace (capacity B) currently available for recording (capacity D).

It should be noted that the capacity D=Capacity A-Capacity B+Capacity C.

(4) When the earphone mode is selected, the earphone jack 122 is set asa voice output means.

(5) When the power is turned OFF and the end mode is selected, systemend is set. In this step, in a case where the capacity A is read fromthe memory card 103, the memory space available for recording at thecurrent point of time (capacity D) is recorded in a specified area ofthe memory card 103.

Then, determination is made as to whether system operation is to beterminated or not (S4305), and if it is determined that the systemoperation is to be terminated, the processing is terminated. If not,determination is made as to whether the residual memory space reportingmode has been set or not (S4306), and if it is determined that theresidual memory space reporting mode has not been set, system controlreturns to step 4304, and if it is determined that the residual memoryspace reporting mode has been set, system controls goes to step S4307.

In step S4307, a number of remaining sheets of pictures which can bephotographed further and a remaining period of time operable further ineach recording mode (still picture mode, voice mode, etc) are computedfrom a residual memory space available at the current point of time(capacity D). Then determination is made as to whether the current modeis the earphone mode or not (S4308), and if it is determined that thecurrent mode is not the earphone mode, system control goes to stepS4309, and if it is determined that the current mode is the earphonemode, system control goes to step S4310.

In step S4309, as shown in Table 1, either one of the speaker 120 or theearphone jack 122 is enabled as a voice output means according towhether an earphone has been connected to the earphone jack 122 or not.Then the number of remaining sheets and the remaining period of time(namely capacity D) are communicated in voice via the enabled speaker120 or earphone jack 122 (S4311), and system control goes to step S4304.

                  TABLE 1                                                         ______________________________________                                                    CONNECTION OF EARPHONE                                                        DISCONNECTED                                                                             CONNECTED                                              ______________________________________                                        SPEAKER       ◯                                                                              x                                                  EARPHONE JACK x            ◯                                      ______________________________________                                         ◯: VOICE IS OUTPUTTED (ENABLE TO USE)                             x: VOICE IS NOT OUTPUTTED                                                

In step S4310, as shown in Table 2, only the earphone jack 122 isenabled as a voice output means regardless of whether an earphone hasbeen connected to the earphone jack 122 or not. Then the number ofremaining sheets and the remaining period of time (namely the capacityD) are communicated in voice via the earphone jack 122 (S311), andsystem control returns to step S4304.

                  TABLE 2                                                         ______________________________________                                                    CONNECTION OF EARPHONE                                                        DISCONNECTED                                                                             CONNECTED                                              ______________________________________                                        SPEAKER       x            x                                                  EARPHONE JACK x            ◯                                      ______________________________________                                         ◯: VOICE IS OUTPUTTED (ENABLE TO USE)                             x: VOICE IS NOT OUTPUTTED                                                

As described above, in Embodiment 13, as it is possible to specify theearphone jack 122 as a voice output means by setting the earphone mode,even in a case, for instance, where the mode for recording voices andthe residual memory space reporting mode have been specifiedsimultaneously, it is possible to record only voices as an object forrecording. Namely, even in a case where the residual memory spacereporting mode is selected while recording voices in a conference orothers, it is possible to prevent voice communications for reporting theresidual memory space and voices as an object for recording from beingrecorded simultaneously, which improves convenience in use.

In the digital still video camera according to Embodiment 14, in a casewhere the residual memory space reporting mode is set, it is possible toselect a recording mode for which a residual memory space for recordingis communicated, and voice output for a residual memory space isprovided only in the selected recording mode.

It should be noted that configuration of the digital still video cameraaccording to Embodiment 14 is the same as that in Embodiment 12 anddescription is made herein only for different portions.

FIG. 44 is a general flow chart showing operations in Embodiment 14, andwhen the main switch 1401 on the basic body 101 of the camera isswitched to power ON (recording mode) or power ON (regenerating mode)(S4401), the CPU 113 starts initialization of the system and at the sametime computes a residual memory space (capacity A) for recording in thememory card 103 (S4402).

Then system initialization is finished, and if there has occurred noerror, the system is enabled (S4403).

When the system is enabled, a user selects a mode through the operationdisplay section 116 and inputs the selected mode, when the CPU 113executes operation (1) to (5) in the selected mode (S4404). Althoughdetailed description is not made herein, the recording mode is selectedby setting the main switch 1401 in power ON (recording mode), and thedeleting mode, the residual memory space reporting mode, and thereporting select mode (a mode in which any among a plurality ofreporting modes is selected for reporting the residual memory space) areset as the power is turned ON (regenerating mode) and the mode selectionis executed. Also the end mode is selected by setting the main switch1401 in power OFF and is executed before actually the power isdisconnected.

(1) When the recording mode is selected, the CPU 113 records image andvoice information in the memory card 103, then computes a memory spacerequired for recording the information (capacity B), and maintains thedata.

(2) When the deleting mode is selected, the CPU 113 computes a memoryspace (capacity C) for the image/voice data having been deleted from thememory card 103, and stores the data.

(3) When the residual space memory reporting mode is selected, the CPU113 sets the residual memory space reporting mode and computes a memoryspace currently available for recording (capacity D).

It should be noted that the capacity D=Capacity A-Capacity B+Capacity C.

(4) When the reporting select mode is specified, a recording mode forwhich communicating is voice of a residual memory space available forrecording is required is selected and set.

(5) When the power is turned OFF and the end mode is selected, systemend is set. In this step, in a case where the capacity A is read fromthe memory card 103, the memory space available for recording at thecurrent point of time (capacity D) is recorded in a specified area ofthe memory card 103.

Then, determination is made as to whether system operation is to beterminated or not (S4405), and if it is determined that the systemoperation is to be terminated, the processing is terminated. If not,determination is made as to whether the residual memory space reportingmode has been set or not (S4406), and if it is determined that theresidual memory space reporting mode has not been set, system controlreturns to step 4404, and if it is determined that the residual memoryspace reporting mode has been set, system controls goes to step S4407.

In step S4407, a number of remaining sheets of pictures which can bephotographed further and a remaining period of time operable further ineach recording mode are computed from a residual memory space availableat the current point of time (capacity D) according to the recordingmode selected and set in the reporting select mode. Then the number ofremaining sheets and the remaining period of time (namely capacity D)are communicated in voice through the speaker 120 (S4408), and systemcontrol returns to step S4404.

In Embodiment 14, as described above, a residual memory space can becommunicated in voice only in the recording mode selected and set in thereporting select mode. For this reason, in a digital still video camerahaving a number of complicated recording modes, a user can save a timerequired for communicating in voce a residual memory space for recordingby setting a recording mode frequency used by the user.

In the digital still video camera according to Embodiment 15, it ispossible to specify conditions for reporting a residual memory space forrecording in the memory card 103, and in a case where the conditions forreporting have been specified and also a residual memory space in thememory card 103 satisfies the conditions for reporting above, theresidual memory space is communicated in voice.

It should be noted that, as configuration of the digital still videocamera according to Embodiment 15 is the same as that in Embodiment 12,description is made only for different portions.

FIG. 45 is a general flow chart showing operations in Embodiment 15, andwhen the main switch 1401 on the basic body 101 of the camera isswitched to power ON (recording mode) or power ON (regenerating mode)(S4501), the CPU 113 starts initialization of the system and at the sametime computes a residual memory space (capacity A) for recording in thememory card 103 (S4502).

Then system initialization is finished, and if there has occurred noerror, the system is enabled (S4503).

When the system is enabled, a user selects a mode through the operationdisplay section 116 and inputs the selected mode, when the CPU 113executes operation (1) to (5) in the selected mode (S4504). Althoughdetailed description is not made herein, the recording mode is selectedby setting the main switch 1401 in power ON (recording mode), and thedeleting mode, the residual memory space reporting mode, and thereporting condition setting mode (a mode in which conditions forreporting a residual memory in the memory card 103 is specified) are setas the power is turned ON (regenerating mode) and the mode selection isexecuted. Also the end mode is selected by setting the main switch 1401in power OFF and is executed before actually the power is disconnected.

(1) When the recording mode is selected, the CPU 113 records image andvoice information in the memory card 103, then computes a memory spacerequired for recording the information(capacity B), and maintains thedata.

(2) When the deleting mode is selected, the CPU 113 computes a memoryspace (capacity C) for the image/voice data having been deleted from thememory card 103, and stores the data.

(3) When the residual space memory reporting mode is selected, the CPU113 sets the residual memory space reporting mode and computes a memoryspace currently available for recording (capacity D).

It should be noted that the capacity D=Capacity A-Capacity B+Capacity D.

(4) In a case where the reporting condition setting mode is selected, alimiter flag is set, and the conditions for reporting a residual memoryspace for recording in voice are set. Herein as a condition forreporting, a limit memory space is set.

As the limit memory space, it is possible to set a percentage (x %)against the total recording capacity of the memory card 103, or to set aremaining byte (xMB: mega byte), a number of remaining sheets (xsheets), a remaining period of time (x hours), and remaining times (xtimes).

(5) When the power is turned OFF and the end mode is selected, systemend is set. In this step, in a case where the capacity A is read fromthe memory card 103, the memory space available for recording at thecurrent point of time (capacity D) is recorded in a specified area ofthe memory card 103.

Then, determination is made as to whether system operation is to beterminated or not (S4505), and if it is determined that the systemoperation is to be terminated, the processing is terminated. If not,determination is made as to whether the residual memory space reportingmode has been set or not (S4506), and if it is determined that theresidual memory space reporting mode has not been set, system controlreturns to step 4504, and if it is determined that the residual memoryspace reporting means has been set, system controls goes to step S4507.

In step S4507, a number of remaining sheets of pictures which can bephotographed further and a remaining period of time operable further ineach recording mode are computed from a residual memory space availableat the current point of time (capacity D) according to the recordingmode selected and set in the reporting select mode. Then determinationis made as to whether the limiter flag has been set or not (S4508), andif it is determined that the limiter flag has not been set, systemcontrol goes to step S4510, and the number of remaining sheets and theremaining period of time (namely capacity D) are communicated in voicethrough the speaker 120, and then system control returns to step S4504.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4508 that the limiterflag has been set, determination is made as to whether a residual memoryspace for recording at the current point of time (capacity D) hasreached the limited memory space or not (S4509), and if it is determinedthat the residual space memory D is lower than the limit memory space, anumber of remaining sheets and a remaining period of time (namely theresidual memory space D) are communicated in voice, and system controlreturns to step S4504. Also if it is determined that the residual memoryspace is not less then the limit memory D, system control returns tostep S4505 immediately.

As described above, in Embodiment 15, as it is possible to set a timingfor reporting a residual memory space by setting the conditions forreporting, a residual memory space can be communicated in voice at atiming desired by a user.

Further FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the digital still videocamera according to Embodiment 16. Details of FIG. 13 were describedabove, so description thereof is omitted herein.

Configuration in Embodiment 16 is the same as that shown in FIG. 13, andthe memory card 103 plays a role as a memory means according to thepresent invention, and the liquid crystal monitor 102 plays a role as animage displaying means according to the present invention. Also the maskretaining means is realized with the MEM 114, and a plurality types ofmask are registered therein. Further the selecting means for selecting amask and a residual memory space recognizing means for recognizing aresidual memory space in the memory card 103 is realized by the CPU 113,the control means is realized with a control programs (Refer to the flowcharts shown in each figure) stored in ROMs in the CPU 113 as well as inthe MEM 114, and the input means is realized by the operation displaysection 116.

Although not shown herein, the operation display section 116 comprisesvarious types of button and switch and a display panel, and the varioustypes of button and switch include a main switch of a basic body of thecamera, a self mode button for setting a mode (self mode) forphotographing with a self timer, a zoom lever for changing a size of anobject to be photographed within a finder, a photographing mode settingbutton, and a release button which is a two-stage button startingoperation of the auto-focus mechanism when pressed down by half and alsostarting recording into the memory card 103 when fully pressed down.

Namely when the release button (shutter) is pressed down by half, anobject to be photographed caught by the lens unit 104 is displayed onthe LCD 119, and when the release button is fully pressed down, thedisplayed image is recorded into the memory card 103. It should be notedthat a size of an image recorded into the memory card 103 in the normalmode is fixed at H (pixels) in the vertical direction×W (pixels) in thehorizontal direction regardless of whether image compression is to beexecuted.

With the configuration as described above, next description is made foroperations in each section of the digital still video camera accordingto Embodiment 16 with reference to the related flow charts andexplanatory views.

At first, description is made for operations for setting a small memoryspace photographing mode with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG.46. Setting is executed, when the digital still vide camera has beenenabled, by pressing the photographing mode setting button in theoperation display section 116. In step S4601, a mask type is selectedfrom various types of mask previously prepared as shown in FIG. 47A,FIG. 47B, and FIG. 47C. Herein the shadowed section indicates an areawhere any image is not recorded, and when any type of mask is selected,the small memory space photographing mode is effected in which a memoryspace smaller than that of H [pixels] in the vertical direction×W[pixels] in the horizontal mode required for an image size in theordinary photographing mode. In step S4602, a type number of theselected mask is stored in a RAM of the MEM 114.

Then description is made for photographing in the small memory spacephotographing mode with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG. 48.Herein description is made on the assumption that the mask shown in FIG.49A has been selected, and the object as shown in FIG. 49B is to bephotographed.

At first, in step S4801, when the release button (shutter) is presseddown by half, the mask corresponding to a number selected from the MEM114 (Refer to FIG. 49A) is read out (step S4802), the image fetchedthrough the lens unit 104 (Refer to FIG. 49B) is masked, and the imageis displayed on the LCD 119 as shown in FIG. 49C (step S4803).

Herein a photographer executes positioning for the object to bephotographed displayed within the mask (S4804), and when the desiredobject is positioned within an area where recording can be executed("Yes" in determination in step S4805), the release button (shutter) isfully pressed down (S4806), the image within the mask (Refer to FIG.49D) is recorded in the memory card 103 (step S4807). In this step, atype number for the mask is added as a header for the image data, andthe type number is used when the image data is regenerated anddisplayed.

Next description is made for operations for regenerating an imagephotographed in the small memory space photographing mode with the flowchart shown in FIG. 50. At first, when an operating mode forregenerating and displaying an image is selected in step S5001, in stepS5002, determination is made as to whether a type number for a mask hasbeen added to the image data to be regenerated and displayed or not.Herein, if it is determined that a type number has not been added to theheader, it is determined that the image data is for an imagephotographed in the ordinary photographing mode, and ordinary operationsfor regeneration and display are executed.

In step S5002, if it is determined that a type number for a mask hasbeen added to the header of the image data to be regenerated anddisplayed, mask information corresponding to the type number is read outfrom the MEM 114 (step S5003), and the image is regenerated anddisplayed according to said mask information (step S5004).

Next description is made for operations for releasing the small memoryspace photographing mode with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG.51. At first, the type number for the mask registered in the MEM 114 isdeleted (step S5101), and the ordinary mode is set (step S5102), thusthe small memory space photographing mode being released.

Then description is made for the function for editing a mask withreference to the flow chart shown in FIG. 52. Herein the mask editfunction is defined as one for simply editing a mask previously preparedto prepare a mask specified to the user and maintain the mask in the MEM114. Herein it is assumed for description that the masks as shown inFIG. 53A, FIG. 53B, and FIG. 53C have been prepared, and that theheart-shaped mask as shown in FIG. 53D is prepared from the masks.

At first in step S5201, the mask shown in FIG. 53A which seems capableof being easily changed into the hart-shaped mask is selected from themasks previously prepared as a object tool for editing. The selectedmask is displayed on the LCD 119, and such processing or deformationsuch as translation, magnifying (compression or extension) and rotationis executed referring to the display to prepare the hart-shapedmask(S5202). It should be noted that deformation can be made also byselecting a plurality of masks.

When the processing for deforming the mask displayed on the LCD 119(Refer to FIG. 54A) is complete ("Yes" in determination in step S5203),as shown in FIG. 54B, the image area is divided into M×N blocks andblock mask information "1" for blocks in a particular image area (in theshadowed section in the figure) or "0" for other blocks is prepared(S5204), a type number is set for the prepared mask (S5205), and thetype number and the block mask information are recorded in the MEM 114(S5206).

When dividing an image area into M×N blocks, M may be equal to N (M=N),but generally a block size larger than that used for image compressionis preferable. In the example shown in FIG. 54B, an image area isdivided to 16×16 blocks, and the bit information consisting of "0" and"1" comprises 32 bytes in all.

When the mask shown in FIG. 53D is selected, only the image in theshadowed section shown in FIG. 54B is recorded, and the entire minimumrectangular area surrounding the shadowed section is not recorded. Whenregenerating the image, information for arrangement of blocks isrequired. This is the block mask information. By adding this simplelayout information as a header for image data when the image isrecorded, the image in the shadowed section can easily be regeneratedand displayed (Refer to the processing for regeneration and displayshown in FIG. 50).

Next description is made for the processing for deleting a registeredmask in the mask editing mode with reference to the flow chart shown inFIG. 55. At first from the masks registered in the MEM 114, a typenumber to be deleted is selected (S5501), and then a type number andblock mask information are deleted from the MEM 114 (S5502), thus themask being deleted.

As described above, in the digital still video camera according to thisembodiment, a mask identifying a photographed image area is selected inresponse to an image to be recorded, and a memory space required forimage data can be reduced by freely changing a form of the photographedimage to be stored, so that it is possible to effectively utilize thememory card 103 without degrading a quality of recorded images and withthe same resolution as that in the ordinary photographing mode, and alsowithout fetching an image in an unnecessary area and by maximizing anumber of images which can be stored in a recording medium. When a maskidentifying a photographed image area is selected, it is possible tohave an object displayed on the LCD 119 through a mask in the real timemode, so that it is possible to realize a digital still video camera inwhich accurate mask selection can be executed and is excellent in theoperability.

In the digital still video camera according to this embodiment, theresidual memory space recognizing means for recognizing a residualmemory in the memory card 103 is realized with the CPU 113, and in acase where it is recognized that a residual memory space in the memorycard 103 is less than a specified value, a mask with a smaller imagearea is compulsively selected so that the mask can be photographed. Withthis feature, in a case where, for instance, it is desired to continuephotographing when a residual memory space in the memory card 103 issmall, it is possible to effectively use the memory card 103 withoutdegrading a quality of recorded images and with maximizing a number ofsheets of pictures which can be stored in the memory card 103 bystopping an operation for fetching the entire image and fetching only amask necessary for the mask.

FIG. 56 is a flow chart illustrating the processing for previouslysetting a mask to compulsively be selected when a residual memory spacebecomes smaller. In a case where compulsive mask selection is executedwhen a residual memory space in the memory card 103 becomes lower than aspecified value ("Yes" in determination in S5601), system control goesto step S5602, and in step S5603, the information that a compulsive maskhas been set and a type number for the mask are stored in the MEM 114.

Change to a compulsive mask during photographing is executed accordingto a sequence as shown by the flow chart shown in FIG. 57. Namely if itis determined that a residual memory space in the memory card 103 isless than "th" in step S5701, after determination is made as to whethera mask to compulsively be selected is present or not in step S5702, instep S5703 a compulsive mask previously set is selected, and an image isphotographed. It should be noted that "th" is a threshold value formaking determination as to whether change to a compulsive mask is to beexecuted or not.

Further in this embodiment, in a case where a mask is switched toanother one because, for instance, a compulsive mask is selected or auser switches the mask to a new one, a number of sheets of picture whichcan be photographed is displayed on the LCD 119. With this feature,information useful for selection of a mask or the information as to howmany sheets of picture can be photographed after the compulsive mask canbe given to a user, which makes it possible to realize a digital stillvideo camera with excellent operability.

FIG. 58 is a flow chart illustrating an operation sequence in theprocessing for displaying a number of sheets of picture which canfurther be photographed. In step S5801, if it is determined that anoperation for switching a mask is to be executed, system control goes tostep S5802, a residual memory space in the memory card 103 is detected,and in step S5803, n is obtained by dividing the residual memory spaceby a memory space used for one sheet when the selected mask is used, andfurther in step S5804, a maximum integral number not exceeding n isobtained in step S5804, and the integral number is displayed as a numberof sheets of picture which can further be photographed on the LCD 119.

As a variant of this embodiment, in addition to the processing shown inFIG. 56, FIG. 57, and FIG. 58, in a case where a residual memory spacein the memory card 103 is less than a specified value, a number ofsheets of picture in a case where a mask is selected is computed foreach mask and is displayed on the LCD 119, and the compulsive mask maybe selected according to an instruction by a user. With this feature,operability of the digital still video camera can further be improved.

As described above, the digital still video camera having a function fortransaction of image data as well as control data with external devicescomprises a picture information input means from receiving imageinformation from an image forming apparatus, one of said externaldevice; a picture information memory means for storing therein pictureinformation inputted from said picture information input means; and aconverting/sending means for converting image data to be sent to saidimage forming apparatus to image data adapted to said image formingapparatus according to the picture information stored in said pictureinformation memory means and sending the image data using asynchronizing signal adapted to said image forming apparatus, so thatimage data in the digital still video camera can be outputted torecording paper with cheap configuration by directly transferring theimage data to an image forming apparatus such as a printer withoutrequiring interference by a computer.

The digital still video camera having a communicating function fortransaction of image data as well as control data with external devicescomprises a memory means for previously storing a plurality of pictureinformation for the image forming apparatus as one of said externaldevices in correspondence to types of said image forming apparatus; aselecting means for selecting desired picture information for an imageforming apparatus from the picture information stored in said memorymeans; and a converting/sending means for converting image data to besent to said image forming apparatus to image data adapted to said imageforming apparatus according to said selected picture information for theimage forming apparatus and sending the image data using a synchronizingsignal adapted to said image forming apparatus, so that image data inthe digital still video camera can be outputted to recording paper withcheap configuration by directly transferring the image data to an imageforming device such as a printer without requiring interference by acomputer.

Also as specific information is included in picture information,sometimes ordinary users may get embarrassed, but it is possible topreviously put the picture information for each image forming apparatusunder unified control by using a computer and also to fetch a pluralityof pictures through a memory card or the like into a digital still videocamera, so that even a user not having any specific knowledge canexecute printing by using the digital still video camera. Also work loadfor receiving picture information can substantially be reduced.

In the image data output system for outputting an image to a digitalstill video camera for outputting image data for a digital still videocamera having the function for transaction of data to recording paperthrough the image forming apparatus, said image forming apparatuscomprises a first memory means for storing the picture information forthe apparatus; and a sending means for the picture information stored insaid first memory means in response to a request from said digital stillvideo camera to the side of the digital still video camera, and saiddigital still video camera comprises a picture information reading meansfor requesting picture information to be sent to said sending means in acase where image data is to be outputted through said image formingapparatus and reading in said picture information; a second memory meansfor storing the picture information read in from said pictureinformation reading means; and a converting/sending means for convertingimage data to be sent to said image forming apparatus to image dataadapted to said image forming apparatus according to the pictureinformation stored in said second memory means and sending the imagedata using a synchronizing signal adapted to said image formingapparatus, so that image data in the digital still video camera can beoutputted to recording paper with cheap configuration by directlytransferring the image data to an image forming device such as a printerwithout requiring interference by a computer.

Also by having picture information stored in the side of the imageforming apparatus, picture information can be set further easily andquickly.

Also the digital still video camera according to the present inventionrecognizes voice data, generates character code corresponding to thevoice data, and records the character code and the image data incorrespondence to each other in a recording medium, so that thecharacter code can be read out from the recording medium to convert andregenerate as voices (voice data), and also it is possible to displaythe character code for checking, which improved convenience for a userin use thereof. In other words, as it is possible to use the inputtedvoice data as an information source for other types of processing, theoperability, workability, and convenience in use of a digital stillvideo camera can be improved.

The digital still video camera according to the present inventionrecognizes voice data, generates character code corresponding to thevoice data, and records the character code and image data incorrespondence to each other in a recording medium, so that thecharacter code can be read out from the recording medium to convert andregenerate as voices (voice data), and also it can be displayed forchecking, which makes it possible to improve convenience for users inuse thereof.

Also the digital still video camera according to the present inventioncan outputs character code as voices and displays the character code bycontrolling the image displaying means, so that, even in a case where avoice is hardly heard or where voice output is impossible, theinformation can be known from the characters displayed on the screen. Inother words, the operability, workability, and convenience in use of adigital still video camera can be improved by making use of the inputtedvoice data as an information source for other types of information.

Also the digital still video camera according to the present inventionphotographs an image and generates image data after it receives voicedata and generates character code, and then records the character codeand image data as an identical file in a recording medium, so that thecharacter code can easily be related to the image data.

Also the digital still video camera according to the present inventionreceives voice data and generates character code after it photographs animage and generates the image data, and then records the image data andcharacter code as an identical file in a recording medium, so that thecharacter code can easily be related to the image data.

The digital still video camera can enhance security for a digital stillvideo camera by previously generating voiceprint information from voicedata and registering the voiceprint information and using the voiceprintinformation for each individual as a password for a personal computer orthe like. In addition to improvement of security, various types ofconditions for photographing set in a digital still video camera can notbe changed without getting a permission from the owner, so that theconvenience in use of a digital still video camera can be improved.Namely by utilizing inputted voice data as an information source forother types of processing, operability, workability, and convenience inuse of a digital still video camera can be improved.

Also in the digital still video camera according to the presentinvention, by previously generating voiceprint from the voice data andregistering the voiceprint information in a recording medium, it ispossible to improve security of each individual recording medium byusing voiceprint information for each individual as a password for apersonal computer or the like. Especially use of a digital still videcamera can be permitted to a number of uncertified people whilepreserving security for the recording medium. Namely by utilizinginputted voice data as an information source for other types ofprocessing, operability, workability, and convenience in use of adigital still video camera can be improved.

The frame for relay for the digital still vide camera according to thepresent invention comprises a retaining means for stably supporting adigital still vide camera, a radio communicating means for transactingdata with the digital still video camera supported by the retainingmeans by means of radio communications, and a data input/output meansfor outputting data received from an external device to said radiocommunicating means, so that data in the digital still vide camerahaving a radio communication function making use of infrared rays caneasily and accurately be transferred to an external device.

In the data transfer system for a digital still video camera accordingto the present invention, the computer comprises an application meansfor providing operation control over said digital still video camera,and the digital still video camera comprises a determining means formaking determination as to whether the computer to which data is to betransferred has said application means or not and a key entry inhibitingmeans for inhibiting the key entry from the camera in a case where saiddetermining means has determined that the computer has the applicationmeans, and further if the computer has an application means, operationcontrol for the digital still video camera is executed by inhibiting theoperation key entry from the digital still video camera and by using theapplication means of the computer, so that operability and conveniencein data transfer from the digital still video camera to the externaldevice can be improved.

In the data transfer system for a digital still video camera accordingto the present invention, the external device comprises an applicationmeans for providing operation controls over said digital still videocamera, and the digital still video camera comprises a selecting meansfor selecting with which of the digital still video camera or theexternal device operation control over the device is to be executed andan operation control validating means for validating operation controlof either one of the device or the external device according to a resultof selection by said selecting means, and in the case where the externaldevice has been selected by said selecting means, the operation controlover said external device is validated and operation control over thedigital still video camera is executed by the application means providedin the external device, so that operability and convenience in datatransfer from the digital still video camera to the external device canbe improved.

In the data transfer system for a digital still video camera accordingto the present invention, the external device comprises an applicationmeans for providing operation controls over said digital still videocamera, and the digital still video camera comprises an operationsection function selecting means for comparing functions for theoperation section in the device to functions for the operation sectionin said external device and selecting either of the operation sectionswhich has more excellent functions, and an operation control validatingmeans for validating control by either one of the device or the externaldevice according to a result of selection by said operation sectionfunction selecting means, and further in the case where said operationsection function selecting means has selected the external device, theoperation control over said external device is validated, and operationcontrols over the digital still video camera is executed by theapplication means provided in said external device, so that operabilityand convenience in data transfer from the digital still video camera tothe external device can be improved.

The digital still video camera according to the present inventioncomprises an image compressing means capable of executing processing forcompressing the image with at least two different types of compressionrate, and a memory means for storing mask information comprising aplurality of areas in which one of said at least two types of differentcompression rate is set, and the image compressing means divides animage for one screen into a plurality of areas using the plurality ofareas of the mask information stored in said memory means and subjectsthe image to compression processing with the compression rate of saidmask information corresponding to said divided areas, so that an imagefor an intended area (main portion) can be recorded with a largequantity of information according to an intention of a user.

The digital still video camera according to the present inventioncomprises an image compressing/extending means capable of executingprocessing for compression or extension of an image with at least twodifferent types of compression rate, and a memory means for storing maskinformation comprising a plurality of areas in which one of said atleast two types of different compression rate is set; and the said imagecompressing/extending means divides an image for one screen into aplurality of areas using the plurality of areas of the mask informationstored in said memory means and executes the processing for compressionor extension of the image with the compression rate of said maskinformation corresponding to each of said divided area, so that an imagefor an intended area (main portion) can be recorded with a largequantity of information according to an intention of a user. Also therecorded image can be regenerated according to a layout intended by theuser.

The digital still video camera according to the present inventioncomprises an image compressing means capable of executing the processingfor compression of the image with at least two different types ofcompression rate, a memory means for storing mask information comprisinga plurality of areas in which one of said at least two types ofdifferent compression rate is set, a specifying means for specifyingwhether compression processing with said mask information is to beexecuted or not, and an adding means for adding mask identifyinginformation for identifying said used mask information to the imageafter having been subjected to compression processing in a case wherethe compression processing with said mask information has been specifiedby said specifying means and recording the added image in said recordingmedium; and the image compressing means divides an image for one screeninto a plurality of areas using the plurality of areas of the maskinformation stored in said memory means and executes the processing forcompression of the image with the compression rate of said maskinformation corresponding to said divided areas in a case where thecompression processing using said mask information has been specified bysaid specifying means when the image is to be recorded, so that an imagefor an intended area (main portion) can be recorded with a largequantity of information according to an intention of a user. Also theprocessing for compression using mask information can freely be selectedby the user, so that convenience in use thereof is improved.

The digital still video camera according to the present inventioncomprises an image compressing/extending means for compression orextension of the image with at least two different types of compressionrate, a memory means for storing mask information comprising a pluralityof areas in which one of said at least two types of differentcompression rate is set, a specifying means for specifying whethercompression processing with said mask information is to be executed ornot, and an adding means for adding mask identifying information foridentifying said used mask information to the image after having beensubjected to compression processing in a case where the compressionprocessing with said mask information has been specified by saidspecifying means and recording the added image in said recording medium,and the image compressing/extending means divides one of image into aplurality of areas using the plurality of areas of the mask informationstored in said memory means and executes the processing for compressionof the image with the compression rate of said mask informationcorresponding to said divided areas in a case where the compressionprocessing using said mask information has been specified by saidspecifying means when the image is to be recorded, and divides an imagefor one screen into a plurality of areas using the plurality of areas ofthe mask information stored in said memory means and executes theprocessing for extension of the image with the compression rate of saidmask information corresponding to said divided areas in a case wheresaid mask identifying information is added to the image recorded in saidrecording medium when the image is to be extended, so that an image foran intended area (main potion) can be recorded with a large quantity ofinformation according to an intention of a user. Also the recorded imagecan be regenerated according to the user's intention. Further theprocessing for compression using mask information can freely be selectedby the user, so that the convenience in use thereof is improved.

The digital still video camera according to the present inventioncomprises a selecting means for selecting desired mask information froma plurality of mask information, and the memory means stores a pluralityof different mask information, and said image compressing means executessaid compression processing using the mask information selected by saidselecting means, so that an image can be recorded with a layout furtheradapted to the user's intention.

The digital still video camera according the present invention comprisesa selecting means for selecting desired mask information from aplurality of mask information, and the memory means stores a pluralityof different mask information, and the image compressing/extending meansexecutes the compression processing or extension processing using themask information selected by said selecting means, so that an image canbe recorded with a layout further adapted to the user's intention.

The digital still video camera according the present invention comprisesa mask information generating/registering means for generating said maskinformation and registering the information in said memory means so thata user can freely generate or change said mask information thereby, sothat, for instance, in a case where a number of images having aparticular distance and a particular layout respectively are to bephotographed, a required portion of each image can be recorded accordingto user's desire without reducing a quantity of information. Also acompression rate according to a layout can be set, so that theconvenience for users becomes higher.

The image regenerating apparatus according to the present inventionwhich receives an image from a recording medium with compressed imagesrecorded therein and regenerates the image by extending the imagecomprises an image extending means capable of executing the processingfor extension of an image with at least two types of differentcompression rate, and a memory means for storing mask informationcomprising a plurality of areas in which one of said at least two typesof compression rate is set, and the image extending means divides animage for one screen into a plurality of areas using the plurality ofareas of the mask information stored in said memory means and executesthe processing for extension of the image with the compression rate ofsaid mask information corresponding to said divided areas, so that therecorded image can be regenerated according to the user's intention.

The image regenerating apparatus according to the present invention forreceiving an image from the recording medium in which the imagesubjected to compression processing is recorded and generating the imageby being subjected to extension processing comprises an image extendingmeans capable of executing the extension processing of an image with atleast two types of different compression rate, and a memory means forstoring mask information comprising a plurality of areas in which one ofsaid at least two types of compression rate is set, and the imageextending means divides an image for one screen into a plurality ofareas using the plurality of areas of the mask information stored insaid memory means and executes the processing for extension of the imagewith the compression rate of said mask information corresponding to saiddivided areas in a case where such specified information that said maskinformation is used is added to the image recorded in said recordingmedium, so that the recorded image can be regenerated according to theuser's intention.

The image regenerating apparatus according to the present inventioncomprises a selecting means for selecting desired mask information amonga plurality of mask information, and the memory means stores a pluralityof different mask information, and the image extending means executessaid the extension processing using the mask information selected bysaid selecting means, so that the recorded image can be regeneratedaccording to the user's intention.

The image regenerating apparatus according to the present inventioncomprises a mask information generating/registering means for generatingsaid mask information and registering the information in said memorymeans so that a user can freely generate or change said mask informationthereby, and for this reason the recorded image can be regeneratedaccording to the user's intention.

The digital still video camera according to the present invention forrecording at least the photographed image in a recording mediumcomprises a residual memory space computing means for computing aresidual memory of said recording medium, a setting means for settingtherein a residual memory space reporting mode to report the residualmemory space of said recording medium, a voice output means foroutputting voices, and a residual memory space reporting means foroutputting the residual memory space computed by said residual memoryspace computing means through said voice output means in a case wherethe residual memory space reporting mode has been set by said settingmeans, so that the user is alerted by means of voice communication tolet the user accurately know a residual memory space in the recordingmedium. Also it is not necessary for the user to visually check theoperation display section or other portions of the basic body of thedigital still video camera, and the user's attention can be concentratedto an object to be photographed when photographing an image. Also it isnot necessary for a user to remember a number of display codes even in acase where the operation display section is small, and the user can knowthe residual memory space, which improves the convenience in usethereof.

The digital still video camera according to the present invention forrecording at least the photographed image in a recording mediumcomprises a residual memory space computing means for computing aresidual memory space of said recording medium, a setting means forsetting therein a residual memory space reporting mode to report theresidual memory space of said recording medium, a plurality of voiceoutput means for outputting voices, a specifying means for specifyingwhich of said plurality of voice output means is to be used, and aresidual memory space reporting means for outputting the residualcapacity computed by said residual memory space computing means throughthe voice output means corresponding thereto according to thespecification of said specifying means in a case where the residualmemory space reporting mode has been set by said setting means, so thatthe user is alerted by means of voice communication to let the useraccurately know a residual memory space in the recording medium. Also itis not necessary for the user to visually check the operation displaysection or other portions of the basic body of the digital still videocamera, and the user's attention can be concentrated to an object to bephotographed when photographing an image. Also it is not necessary for auser to remember a number of display codes even in a case where theoperation display section is small, and the user can know the residualmemory space, which improves the convenience in use thereof. Furthermoreas it is possible to specify a particular voice output means such as anearphone for voice communication of a residual memory space, theresidual memory space can be checked with voice without interferingproceeding of the conference or the like. Also the voice for telling aresidual memory space and voices to be recorded can be prevented frombeing recorded in mixture.

The digital still video camera according to the present invention havinga plurality of recording modes such as an image recording mode, a voicerecording mode, and an image/voice mixture recording mode and forrecording the photographed image and the received voices in a recordingmedium comprises a residual memory space computing means for computing aresidual memory space of said recording medium, a setting means forsetting therein a residual memory space reporting mode to report theresidual memory space of said recording medium, a voice output means foroutputting voices, a recording mode specifying means for specifying anyof said plurality of recording modes in which the residual memory spaceof said recording medium is to be reported, and a residual memory spacereporting means for outputting the residual memory space computed bysaid residual memory space computing means through the voice outputmeans in a case where a residual memory space reporting mode has beenset by said setting means and the set recording mode is the recordingmode specified by said recording mode specifying means, so that the useris alerted by means of voice communication to let the user accuratelyknow a residual memory space in the recording medium. Also it is notnecessary for the user to visually check the operation display sectionor other portions of the basic body of the digital still video camera,and the user's attention can be concentrated to an object to bephotographed when photographing an image. Also it is not necessary for auser to remember a number of display codes even in a case where theoperation display section is small, and the user can know the residualmemory space, which improves the convenience in sue thereof. Further aresidual memory space is reported only in a particular recording mode,so that a time required for reporting a residual memory space can besaved by setting a recording mode or modes frequency used to evade thenecessity to reporting the residual memory space each time.

The digital still video camera according to the present invention forrecording at least the photographed image in a recording mediumcomprises a residual memory space computing means for computing aresidual memory space of said recording medium, a reporting conditionspecifying means for specifying a reporting condition to report theresidual memory space of said recording medium, a voice output means foroutputting voices; and a residual memory space reporting means foroutputting the residual memory space computed by said residual memoryspace computing means through the voice output means in a case where areporting condition has been set by said reporting condition specifyingmeans and the residual memory space computed by said residual memoryspace computing means satisfies said reporting condition, so that theuser is alerted by means of voice communication to let the useraccurately know a residual memory space in the recording medium. Also itis not necessary for the user to visually check the operation displaysection or other portions of the basic body of the digital still videocamera, and the user's attention can be concentrated to an object to bephotographed when photographing an image. Also it is not necessary for auser to remember a number of display codes even in a case where theoperation display section is small, and the user can know the residualmemory space, which improves the convenience in sue thereof. Further auser can set a timing for reporting a residual memory space according tothe condition for reporting, so that the residual memory space canautomatically and accurately be reported according to a timing requiredby the user with voice.

In the digital still video camera according to the present invention, aplurality of masks each identifying an area for a photographed image arestored in a mask retaining means, and when a mask has been selected by aselecting means, the control means displays the image on said imagedisplaying means so that the object of a photograph can be seen throughthe photographed image area identified by said mask, and also stores theinformation relating to said mask with reference to the image data forthe photographed image area identified by said mask each according to aspecified operation in said memory means, and identifies an image areaaccording to said mask information and regenerates/displays the image ina case where mask information related to said image data is added to theimage data when the image data stored in said memory means is to beregenerated and displayed on said image displaying means, so that it ispossible to freely change a form of a photographed image to be stored ina storage medium by selecting a mask identifying an area for aphotographed image according to the image to be recorded, and for thisreason it is possible to provide a digital still video camera whichallows a maximum number of images to be stored in a storage mediumwithout fetching an unnecessary images with the same resolution as thatin the ordinary photographing mode and without degrading a quality ofthe recorded images and which, as a result, can make effective use of astorage medium. Also an object to be photographed through a mask can bedisplayed in the real time mode on the image display screen whenselecting a mask identifying an area for the photographed image, so thatit is possible to provide a digital still video camera which enablesaccurate mask selection and has excellent operability.

In the digital still video camera according to the present invention, amask editing means edits a mask to be retained in said mask retainingmeans, so that a freedom of a form of a photographed image can beraised, which eliminates the need for an editorial work with a computerexternal to the digital still video camera, and as a result it ispossible to provide a digital still video camera with excellentoperability.

In the digital still video camera according the present invention, auser can specify any mask with the an input means, and the selectingmeans selects any mask according to specification of the mask by theinput means, so that the user's desire is satisfied to the maximumdegree, and also it is possible to provide a digital still video camerawhich can make effective use of a storage medium.

In the digital still video camera according to the present invention, ina case where a residual memory space recognizing means recognizes that aresidual memory space of the memory means is less than a specifiedvalue, a mask previously specified by the input means or a an arbitrarymask can automatically be selected by the selecting means, so that it ispossible to provide a digital still video camera which, in a case whereit is desired to continue photographing even though the residual memoryspace in the memory means is small, allows a maximum number of images tobe photographed by stopping fetching all the images and fetching onlyimages required for the mask without degrading a quality of the recordedimages and can make effective use of the storage medium.

In the digital still video camera according to the present invention,the control means computes a number of additional sheets which can berecorded in said memory means according to the residual memory space ofsaid memory means recognized by said residual memory space recognizingmeans, and displays said number of additional sheets on said displayingmeans for reference to the user when selecting a photographing mode, sothat it is possible to provide a digital still video camera withexcellent operability which allows a maximum number of images to bephotographed without reducing a quality of recorded images and can makeeffective se of a storage medium.

This application is based on Japanese patent applications No. HEI7-287640, No. HEI 7-290182, No. HEI 7-295429, No. HEI 7-301822, No. HEI7-301823 and No. HEI 7-338186 filed in the Japanese Patent Office onNov. 6, 1995, Nov. 8, 1995, Nov. 14, 1995, Nov. 20, 1995, Nov. 20, 1995and Dec. 2, 1995, respectively, the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

Although the invention has been described with respect to a specificembodiment for a complete and clear disclosure, the appended claims arenot to be thus limited but are to be construed as embodying allmodifications and alternative constructions that may occur to oneskilled in the art which fairly fall within the basic teaching hereinset forth.

What is claimed is:
 1. A digital still video camera having a functionfor transaction of image data as well as control data with externaldevices comprising:a picture information input means for receiving imageinformation from an image forming apparatus, one of said externaldevices; a picture information memory means for storing therein pictureinformation inputted from said picture information input means; and aconverting/sending means for converting image data to be sent to saidimage forming apparatus to image data adapted to said image formingapparatus according to the picture information stored in said pictureinformation memory means and sending the image data using asynchronizing signal adapted to said image forming apparatus.
 2. Adigital still video camera having a function for transaction of imagedata as well as control data with external devices comprising:a memorymeans for previously storing a plurality of picture information for theimage forming apparatus as one of said external devices incorrespondence to types of said image forming apparatus; a selectingmeans for selecting desired picture information for an image formingapparatus from the picture information stored in said memory means; anda converting/sending means for converting image data to be sent to saidimage forming apparatus to image data adapted to said image formingapparatus according to said selected picture information for the imageforming apparatus and sending the image data using a synchronizingsignal adapted to said image forming apparatus.
 3. An image data outputsystem for outputting image date from a digital still video camerahaving the function for transaction of data to recording paper throughan image forming apparatus, wherein said image forming apparatuscomprises:a first memory means for storing picture information for theapparatus; and a sending means for the picture information stored insaid first memory means in response to a request from said digital stillvideo camera to the side of the digital still video camera, and saiddigital still video camera comprises: a picture information readingmeans for requesting picture information to be sent to said sendingmeans in a case where image data is to be outputted through said imageforming apparatus and reading in said picture information; a secondmemory means for storing the picture information read in from saidpicture information reading means; and a converting/sending means forconverting image data to be sent to said image forming apparatus toimage data adapted to said image forming apparatus according to thepicture information stored in said second memory means and sending theimage data using a synchronizing signal adapted to said image formingapparatus.